Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wholeheartedly agree with Senator Craughwell. I too have heard stories of people in my home town who have been escorted to Mountjoy in taxis paid for by taxpayers, but on reaching the prison they are sent home, sometimes arriving home before their taxi driver. I too agree that perhaps such people who are before the courts could do community service. There is plenty of litter. We are constantly trying to make this country greener and free of litter. His suggestion is a great idea. I totally agree that there is plenty of scope for such an approach.

Once again, I request an urgent and full debate on residential services for people with disabilities. The shock and worry are still present for many families of loved ones in such centres as a result of the "Prime Time" programme. People who have family members in such centres, or who avail of respite or other services in the centres, have conveyed their concerns to me. It is now five months since the "Prime Time" programme aired, when I made my original request for a full debate on the matter. I accept we did have a half-hour debate on that day, but I have repeatedly called for a full debate on the matter. While I welcome yesterday's announcement that five people will go before the courts and that people will be prosecuted for the absolutely appalling behaviour that took place, the House should be provided with a full update from the Minister not only on what happened in Áras Attracta but on the steps that are being taken to rectify the unacceptable situations that have come to light following HIQA inspections of other services around the country.I specifically ask that the Minister again come into the House regarding the six-week closure of respite services, with little notice to families, in the Health Service Executive-funded St. John of God services at Drumcar in my native County Louth. This is a service funded by the Health Service Executive, HSE, which has closed to facilitate staff training and development, as well as implementation of quality and safety improvements. No alternative options have been offered to families during this time and many of these families have approached me in desperation.