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

The Government's ongoing priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service. We are committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. Significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services in recent years. This year alone, the HSE has allocated €1.9 billion to its disability services programme. As part of its ongoing service provision, the HSE will provide more than 8,500 residential places this year to families in need throughout the country. Residential services constitute the largest part of the disability budget. Our policy is for people with disabilities to be supported to achieve their full potential in order that, where possible, they can live ordinary lives in ordinary places doing ordinary things. The need for increased residential facilities is acknowledged, and the HSE continues to work with agencies to explore various ways of responding to this need in line with the budget available. Residential placements for adults with disabilities are considered following detailed clinical assessments by HSE services.Places for those with the most complex needs are allocated on a priority basis and according to the appropriate availability of services.

I am advised by the HSE that the centre referred to by the Deputy today, namely, Caridas House, is a small, three-bedroom bungalow situated on the grounds of the health centre in Drumconrath, County Meath, and that it caters currently for two residents. In 2018, the HSE decided to review the continued provision of services at Caridas House due to the challenges experienced by the service in meeting the needs of families and service users. The rural location, small house size, perceived poor access to community activities and lack of public transport were key factors in the review. In the course of 2018, numerous meetings were organised by the HSE with families to discuss future plans for the service. More recently, HSE disability services organised a meeting with the families of the two individuals currently living at Caridas to discuss future plans for the facility and its residents. The HSE assures me it is committed to the continuation of a loving and caring environment for the two residents living at Caridas. I am advised that the proposal to move the two residents to an alternative community residential home operated by HSE disability services will ensure these individuals continue to be supported by staff known to them. Further, the HSE envisages that the proposed move to an alternative residential setting will ensure residents are closer to the acute services they may require should an emergency arise.