Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

Part of the problem is that Ministers of State read replies they have been given by the HSE. In reply to a query from my colleague, Deputy Conlon, the HSE stated there would be no change to the services being provided at the Darley Health Centre. The Minister of State said, "A decision has been taken that existing users will continue to be provided with the same frequency of day care services, whether at the Darley Health Centre or a different facility." One cannot provide the same quality of service if the older people who attend the Darley Health Centre have to travel to outlying areas. That is the reality. If one fragments a service, it will be affected.

Part of the problem with the HSE in Cavan, Monaghan and throughout the Twenty-six Counties is that different views are taken. It should state exactly what the proposal is and address the concerns of the 125 vulnerable elderly people who attend the Darley Health Centre in Cootehill on a weekly basis and are suffering unnecessary anxiety. They are being provided with an excellent service. The service providers have been told that from 1 September their services will no longer be required. That leaves them in limbo. Frankly, that is not good enough. The communication between the HSE and the Darley Health Centre is not good enough. The HSE needs to communicate with the centre. The reality is that if the HSE starts to meddle with it, it will affect the services provided for older people. In answer to Deputy Conlon, it stated there would be no change to the services provided, but the reality is that there will be a change, based on the reply the Minister of State has given. I, therefore, ask the HSE to reconsider its decision. As I said, while I welcome the expansion of services in Cootehill, the service provided at the day care centre should be left as is.