Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am very glad that yesterday the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, called to see the excellent facility that is St. Mary of the Angels in Beaufort in County Kerry. It is a very special place for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. The Taoiseach knows that I have long campaigned, since 2011, when what I believe was the wrong decision was made to do away with congregated settings. I really do believe it is not a case that one shoe fits all when it comes to people with special needs. The service provided in St. Mary of the Angels is very special. It is on a farm that was donated to the State so that St. Mary of the Angels could become what it did, which is a great place for these people to live their lives. Very sadly, we lost a resident there yesterday. My argument is that it is being closed by stealth. When a person dies, no new resident comes in. The Minister of State gave great speeches there yesterday. She gave great comfort to the residents, workers, management and parents of these special children. Please change it in such a way that new residents can go in there. This is what will keep the place open and keep it going.

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