Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support my Kerry colleague, Senator Paul Coghlan, in his comments on the St. Mary of the Angels facility in Beaufort. I do not need to go into any detail because the Senator has eloquently outlined the problem. In fairness to the HSE, it is taking a new look at the area of residential care. We have a situation in Beaufort where 77 people of various ages face the loss of the secure, safe and happy environment in which they have lived for many years and whose families are dreadfully worried at the prospect of their loved ones being moved on to some new location. This case must be reviewed in the broader context of residential care provision. I ask the Leader to refer the matter to the Minister for Health.

I am surprised and disappointed by the outburst today by the former director of the National Museum regarding the proposed relocation of the Seanad to the museum's ceramics room, which will happen, as I understand, after the Easter recess. I understand the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, of which Senators Coffey and Craughwell and I are members, has been in negotiations for a long time with the museum authorities and the Office of Public Works, and matters are moving to fruition.I certainly understand the frustration of Members at the lack of information which is being disseminated about the move. Along with my two Seanad colleagues, I undertake to bring up the matter at the next meeting of the commission.