Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Whelan for raising this very important matter. It is clear from listening to his account the personal and deep feelings he has towards this day care centre and the important service it provides for the people of Monasterevin. I know the Senator declared an interest but being able to bring personal experience to formulate policy is a strength in our political system and one I hope will continue.

The overarching policy of the Government is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and to support access to quality long-term residential care where this is appropriate. The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of health and personal social services, including home help, home care packages, meals on wheels, respite or day care and a range of other community-based supports. The executive works continually to develop the services provided to ensure they match the needs of older people as much as possible.

New approaches to home support, increased use of technology and new residential models may all have a part to play. Access to day centres can no doubt make an important contribution by providing invaluable support, advice and social interaction for older people who may, for any number of reasons, be experiencing isolation and loneliness. One cannot underestimate the importance of being able to bring people together and the social importance of such a day care centre.

Since 1997, Monasterevin day care centre had been operating as a social outlet twice weekly from a large property owned by the HSE on Drogheda Street, Monasterevin. I would emphasise, however, that the day centre has never provided medical or personal care, and Senator Whelan acknowledges that. I understand that the building was also used by a number of groups locally for events and activities unrelated to the day care centre. This included some events and activities of which the HSE was unaware.

In 2013, the executive became aware of safety issues relating to the electrical wiring on the premises. Following the completion of some remedial works the HSE employed a contractor to carry out a fire safety inspection of the building. The building was assessed as being unsafe and, as the Senator rightly said, the estimated cost for the scope of the works required to bring the building to current health and safety standards is in excess of €100,000. The HSE made a decision that the investment required cannot be justified given the level of services provided by the HSE there, and a representative of the Monasterevin group was advised last October of this decision.

I do not need to tell the Senator about the current economic and budgetary pressures, and notwithstanding the better economic news recently, resources remain tight across a number of areas. Many areas continue to face real challenges in meeting demands on their services. I understand that Monasterevin day care currently operates its service from a local GAA centre two days per week. The HSE provides the group with a grant aid of €3,700 per year in support of those activities, and we will continue to support this service.

I am pleased to advise the Senator that the HSE has informed the Department of Health that it is willing to meet the group to ensure the continuation of the service and explore the use of any other facility that could accommodate it. I hope through Senator Whelan's good offices that that meeting can take place and that the HSE will, with the group, explore the possibilities and discuss the provision of services and how best to go forward from here. I thank the Senator for bringing the matter to my attention and I will convey his sentiments to the Minister.