Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I call on the Minister for Health and Children to reverse the cruel decision to cancel day-care services at Plunkett Home, Boyle, County Roscommon, which affects 50 people whose only outlet from isolation has been hit by this action. This service has been taken away by an uncaring Government which protects bankers. Some years ago it was said health cuts hurt the old, the sick and the handicapped. Unfortunately, the Government is doing this again.

The elderly people who used Plunkett Home paid €4 for the service costs. It transformed their lives, allowing them to meet friends, have a dinner, play bingo, get their hair done and have physiotherapy while it gave their families some respite. The service has been suspended for three months but as every Member knows it may never be restored again. There is a moratorium on replacing health staff who are sick. In the real world, there must be some flexibility in allowing staff replacement. We aim to keep elderly people out of acute hospital services. What better way to do so than by providing a day-care service for the elderly?

The elderly built up the country and sacrificed everything for our future. Once again the boot of bureaucracy has been put into those who deserve comfort, respect and care in their twilight years. One gentleman, who uses the Plunkett Home service, returned from living in the UK for 53 years to Roscommon recently. Last night on local radio he admitted because of the way he has been treated he is thinking of returning to the UK.

Is this the way to deal with Irish diaspora, the people who never forgot us in our time of want? On St. Patrick's Day, when the Taoiseach will give the US President, Mr. Obama, a bowl of shamrock will he tell him the way we treat our elderly people and how these services have been pulled, a denial of people's rights?

We often talk about offering our young people a future and hope. Yet, when we neglect our elderly people like this, is it any wonder young people emigrate to Australia and elsewhere? The only way to get out of a recession is by protecting existing jobs and creating more. This service in Boyle could provide employment to several people, yet the Government cannot lift the moratorium on recruitment to the public sector. It is a shame on the Government and all politicians not to accede to the wishes of the people in question. The Minister of State is a reasonable person and this should not happen. On this occasion, the moratorium must be lifted and these jobs must be replaced. We must ensure these 50 elderly people receive compassion from the Government. If the Minister of State does so, I will say well done. This is not about politics, it is about the elderly people in our community who need some compassion and care.

We need to do the right thing by our elderly people. I ask the Minister of State to ensure this disgraceful decision is reversed. If so, I will be the first to thank and praise him and the Government. This is a cowardly decision and reversing it could provide help and a secure future for our elderly people.

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Deputy Frank Feighan for raising this issue as it provides me with an opportunity to update the House on this matter. This Government is committed to supporting people to live in dignity and independence in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to quality long-term residential care where appropriate. We continue to develop and improve health services in all regions of the country and to ensure quality and patient safety.

The HSE has operational responsibility for the delivery of health and social services, including those at facilities such as Plunkett Home, Boyle. All developments must be addressed in the light of the current economic and budgetary pressures. The HSE has been asked to make a rigorous examination of how existing funding might be re-configured or re-allocated to ensure maximum service provision is achieved.

The integrated services directorate is the HSE directorate responsible for the delivery of health care services. In line with what is happening around the country, the HSE in Roscommon is currently reviewing its use of resources and facilities for all care in the county. The latest information available from the HSE indicates that it was to temporarily close the day care service at the Plunkett community nursing unit in Boyle from Monday, 8 March. The HSE currently has a number of vacancies in the service and due to the moratorium it is unable to recruit replacement staff. It appreciates that this is an inconvenience for clients of this service but the HSE must have appropriate staffing levels to run any service safely. The service is suspended for a period of three months and the HSE will make every effort to restore it as quickly as possible. In view of the current industrial action, this is the most current information available to me.