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

The Social Action Group Rathmore day services have been in operation almost 32 years. They have grown and expanded to a state-of-the-art facility and are often referred to as the gold standard for the type of services provided. However, this year and next the services face substantial financial difficulty, with projections of a €62,000 deficit this year and a €68,000 one next year. Furthermore, the services have borne the cost of providing section 39 workers with the necessary increment agreed by the workplace committee in advance and they are seeking reimbursement for that. The services serve a huge hinterland in east Kerry and into Cork. The services provided ensure many elderly people can continue to live at home, which saves the State huge costs in return.

Just two years ago the board and local HSE management were looking at expanding the service from five days to six.

See this speech in context