Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

None of us has a monopoly on wisdom or always knows the right things to do in these cases, as they are difficult and change is always difficult. However, we have to be guided by best practice internationally and research shows that people thrive outside congregated settings in communities, where they will still be supported, assisted and helped in communal living accommodation at which they will also have company. The decision to move away from congregated settings was taken a long time ago and it is not just an issue for Mayo - it is an issue for the entire country. It is a challenge and change is difficult, particularly for the residents in this case but they will be at the forefront of the minds of people in the HSE as they make their decisions.

People sometimes have to transition, such as when they leave their own homes to go to nursing homes, and transition is part of change. We have to look to the best interests of residents and that sometimes means moving them to new community settings to be supported and assisted. The change will have to be managed but it has been done very successfully in many other areas and it can and should be done in Mayo.