Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am always fair or attempt to be. I realise the Minister of State is in a difficult position. However, he will understand the frustration I have outlined on behalf of the people. A day centre is closed and the reasons for that are constantly changing. We were told the place was not suitable. I welcome that there is now a commitment to open it in the nursing home. That is new. The position has been changing all the time. We have now been told that information was broadcast. That did not happen. The HSE opened the centre for a day without telling anyone and then said there was no demand. No attempt has been made to reach out to the area and talk to the people. The GP spoke at a public meeting for at least 20 minutes and outlined the great need for a day centre in the area. None of that seems to have taken hold with the HSE. I want to work with the HSE. In March or April when it made a presentation we were delighted a date was given for the day centre to re-open but it did not re-open. When I stand here agus frustrachas orm ó thaobh an ábhair seo agus go bhfuil an t-ionad fós dúnta, is ar son mhuintir an cheantair atá sin á dhéanamh agam. Bheadh sé i bhfad níos éasca gan an t-ábhar seo a ardú go rialta mar atá sé ardaithe agam. Ar a laghad, tá geallúintí anois go mbeidh an tseirbhís á oscailt arís laistigh den ionad agus go mbeidh foireann curtha ar fáil ach tá i bhfad níos mó oibre ag teastáil chun a chur in iúl do na daoine go bhfuil an tseirbhís ar fáil. This has to be resold to the people. They must be told that the day service is considered essential and will be available and functioning. An educational and communications programme is needed to let people know it is open and available.

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