Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I do not think the Minster for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has yet arrived, so I will allow Deputy Carthy to ask his question.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

45. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to allocate sufficient funding to the HSE to allow the operation of disability services such as the new group home for persons with physical and sensory disabilities in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. [23656/20]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for allowing me in. I welcome the fact that the Minister for Health has tested negative for Covid and I hope his symptoms resolve themselves very quickly. I also hope that the speediness with which he received his test result - I do not begrudge him that; I think it is very important - becomes the hallmark by which all other tests are measured.

My question relates to the group home for people with physical and sensory difficulties in Carrickmacross. I would very much appreciate a response detailing when we will see this project developed.

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister, along with the Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Rabbitte, is committed to improving services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives. This year, the HSE will provide more than 8,300 residential places to people with disabilities and will continue working with agencies to explore various ways of responding to this need in line with available resources.

On the residential care facility in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, I understand that the premises was developed by Respond housing agency in partnership with Monaghan County Council. As the Deputy will be aware, the HSE has been working to make the building operational as a residential care facility for people in the region who have physical or sensory disabilities within the resources available to it.

I am informed that the HSE undertook a procurement process for an external service provider to run the facility and an organisation was identified, but at a cost that exceeded the budget available. I  understand the HSE intends to seek the additional funding required to open this group home through the 2021 Estimates process. In the interim, outstanding minor works relating to the building remain the subject of engagement between the HSE and Respond.

As the Deputy will appreciate, I, on behalf of the Minister, cannot comment at this stage on the outcome of the Estimates process or matters which will be the subject of national service planning in 2021.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has no way of knowing how frustrating his answer is. This issue dates back to the early 2000s, when the families of a group of young women with physical and sensory disabilities first sought for it to be addressed. Those young people had been cared for in their homes all their lives, but their parents were getting older. They approached the health authorities and the local housing services to seek a long-term solution to their needs. Since then, they have met delay after delay and experienced consternation after consternation. Throughout the planning process, one obstacle after another was put in their way. If it was not for the doggedness of the parents of these young people, the building would never have reached completion. It has now been complete for several years and in each of those years, the response which the Minister of State just read out has been returned to the families. They are told that the Government will see whether the project can be included in the Estimates for next year. The Minister is not present, but three Ministers of State at the Department of Health are. I ask them to bring the clear message to the Minister that this issue will not go away. I will raise it at every opportunity available to me until a Minister takes responsibility, grabs the HSE by the scruff of the neck and opens the house in question for these people.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I ask for Deputy Carthy's co-operation. I extended the timeframe to allow him to ask his question.

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

An on-site meeting with HSE CHO 1's head of social care, general manager disability services and service manager disability services, a representative from HSE estates and a representative from the Respond housing agency took place on the morning of 12 February last. The purpose of the meeting was to consider any outstanding minor works to be completed and to carry out a walk-though of the premises with the Respond architect and members of the HSE estates. Agreement was reached that a list of minor works would be compiled with HSE estates and forwarded to Respond for consideration. Discussions have taken place with the family of a potential resident and the HSE has submitted the remedial works plan required to the Respond housing agency to request agreement on which remedial works the latter will fund. I understand the Deputy's interest in the project. I know he has tabled many parliamentary questions on the issue. My fellow Ministers of State and I will bring this issue to the Minister and try to clarify the matter for once and for all.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wrote to the Minister only last week to suggest that he facilitate a meeting with me and officials from the HSE, Respond housing association and, if necessary, Monaghan County Council. There has been too much back and forth on this issue. Respond housing association has a vested interest in ensuring the building becomes operational because it currently has a building for which it is not receiving any rent. It makes no sense that it would be the source of any delay. I ask the Ministers of State to request that the Minister, when he is back on his feet, ensure that meeting be facilitated such that we can get this building operational in the interests of these people who have very severe disabilities and whose families want them to have as independent lives as possible.

This building has been identified as being crucial. The HSE, over a decade and a half ago, recognised the value and importance of this building. What I am seeking needs to happen.

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand that the HSE CHO1 notes that the funding to make this facility operational has been included in the Estimates process for 2021. I understand the Deputy's concerns. We will bring them to the Minister. Hopefully, this issue can be resolved.