Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and giving me the opportunity to outline the position regarding developments at Camphill Dunshane Community, Naas, County Kildare. I know the Deputy has raised this issue with my office over the past couple of weeks and I am very aware of the worry and confusion it has caused for the residents of Dunshane and their families, which is something nobody ever wants, particularly just before Christmas.

The positive news I can report tonight is that Camphill Communities of Ireland, CCoI, is not closing the Dunshane Community residential service in Kildare. CCoI Dunshane accommodates 26 adults with intellectual disabilities in eight residential buildings. Fire safety issues have been identified in one of the houses and remedial works will be necessary in the interests of the safety of the residents involved. There are normally seven residents in the particular setting.

CCoI has confirmed to the HSE that its decision to undertake these works is based on careful consideration of internal and external specialist advice. I am told this has been ratified by its board based on the overwhelming requirement to protect the safety and well-being of its residents. What the Deputy raised in respect of the HIQA reports of 2015 is important and I acknowledge that I was not aware of that. I will ask the Deputy's questions and get a particular answer on that. I will also raise the Deputy's concern as to why, having waited five years, it is such an issue at this time in a pandemic year.

Since this issue emerged, CCoI has been engaging with the HSE regarding a transitional plan to address the needs of the residents involved while the works are underway. HIQA, in its capacity as regulator, has been informed of the intention to have the works carried out. CCoI has confirmed to the HSE that all residents will be accommodated in new accommodation during the time that the refurbishment of their home is to be carried out. The Deputy will relay that to her constituents.

I take on board the Deputy's points regarding communication. It is unfortunate that we have to come in on a Topical Issue the week before Christmas to relay this to the residents and their families. Better communication should be at play in this issue. During this period, the residents concerned will continue to receive services from CCoI and the organisation has been actively liaising with the families, I am led to believe, of the persons concerned with a view to putting in place person-centred plans to ensure suitable accommodation for the residents. I will ask again the questions about timelines in the context of communication. From what the Deputy is saying, the position in this regard is not clear.

I know that such changes to routine are far from ideal for residents and I am very much aware that this will bring particular challenges for people with disabilities and their families. Any change to a setting or routine is traumatic, particularly in the year we have had when routine has been completely upended. I also understand that this can increase the strain on the families. That is why it is important that the person-centred approach has guided the response of CCoI and the HSE to the needs of the residents involved while these important works are carried out. I know staff working in all disability services across the country have made a considerable effort to keep residential care settings safe in these Covid times and this needs to be acknowledged. They have put effective measures in place to protect the public health of the residents involved during this pandemic across the country. I take this opportunity to thank the staff in these front-line organisations.

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