Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, or the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, to the House to clarify for the more than 3,000 service users of Rehab in the State who are very concerned their service will be cut or affected in some way if Rehab is to pull out of providing essential services to people who have a disability. From my area of County Mayo I am aware of the quality and calibre of service that Rehab staff offer. It makes a real difference in the lives of people who have a disability and their families whose lives in many ways would be absolutely transformed for the worse if there is a reduction or change in the service provided. There is a lot of fear out there on this issue. I am aware that the Minister of State and the Minister for Health in particular - because he has spoken on it - are intent on trying to find a resolution with Rehab, but people and the service users need to know where they stand. I truly hope that this resolution can be forthcoming very soon to put everybody's mind at ease and so the staff in Rehab can continue to provide the top-class service they do. I ask that the Minister and the Minister of State are invited to the House to provide that clarification. Other than that, as we all know, the State will be left carrying the can and trying to provide the service, which would be no small feat given the number of service users.