Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for being present to note this serious matter I raise on behalf of residents in St. Peter's Centre in Castlepollard. My information is that a number of residents were to be moved from this institution and integrated into the community of the greater Westmeath area. As the Minister can imagine, this was great news for the families, particularly for the aging parents who would see their sons and daughters finally settled and living independently with dignity and in safety.

In 2000, the HSE purchased ten houses around the Mullingar area and these were left idle and allowed to become dilapidated and unfit for living. This is an example of the waste of money over which the HSE has presided and how it has failed the most vulnerable in our society. We have come out of a period of immense wealth, but people with intellectual disability could not be given their own space to live in, decorate as they wish, have their own possessions, cook and invite in visitors. It is a lack of the HSE prioritising people with mental health issues. I would like the Minister to come to the Seanad and tell us how many actions from A Vision for Change have been realised. Is it just another glossy document? It is in operation for three years and it arises here time and again.

In recent weeks, a number of the families have contacted me and informed me that three houses had been allocated. I have been particularly concerned about a case involving a daughter whose family was told the houses were not to go ahead. They were devastated. It has a knock-on effect for families. The houses were ready and renovated to a very high standard. The HSE is so uncaring and out of touch to have pulled the plug on this development just because it has inadequate staffing levels. The family contacted the HSE and received a cold-hearted, one-line e-mail. Can the Minister imagine if that were his son or daughter? I live my life by putting myself in the position of such people. The lady in question has been living in St. Peter's for 20 years and her family was so excited about her finally being settled once and for all. It is high time she and her friends were allowed to live with dignity and independence. The Minister is familiar with the model of choice whereby the individual has a service designed to meet his or her particular needs and it is the most respectful way we can support people with intellectual disabilities.

Why does the HSE not work a shift staffing system like the other non-statutory organisations? In the non-statutory sector there is one member of staff for one resident, whereas the HSE has nearly twice as many. The Mental Health Commission has said it is more important than ever that the Government stick to its commitment to ring-fence funding from the sale of all the mental health institutions, which the Minister is reviewing, and I urge him to ensure that happens and that the money is not subsumed into the black hole that is the HSE. Mental health has always been the poor relation and I fear people with mental health issues will be even further down the pecking order.

I am aware the Minister is connected with what is going on. I ask that the staffing moratorium be lifted and the whole-time equivalents needed be provided so these residents can get on with their lives.