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

I thank the Senator for raising this issue and giving me the opportunity to respond on it.

The Government’s ongoing priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable persons 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 Health Service Executive, HSE, has allocated €1.9 billion for its disability services programme. As part of its ongoing service provision, the HSE will provide more than 8,500 residential places this year for families in need throughout the country. In fact, residential services make up the largest part of the disability budget.

Residential placements for adults with disabilities are considered following detailed clinical assessments made by HSE services. Access to places for those with the most complex needs are allocated on a priority basis and appropriate availability of services. Regarding the centre mentioned by the Senator, I am advised by the HSE that Caridas House is a small bungalow situated on the grounds of the health centre in Drumconrath, County Meath. In 2018 the HSE decided to review continued service provision in Caridas House based on the service experiencing challenges in meeting the needs of families and service users. I understand the rural location, small house size, perceived poor access to community activities and a lack of public transport were key factors in that regard. The decision was based on the premise that moving the residents to an alternative community residential home operated by the HSE's disability services would ensure they would maintain or improve the quality of their lives and, furthermore, that they would continue to be supported by staff known to them.

During 2018 and into this year, numerous meetings were organised by the HSE with the families of the two individuals who were resident in Caridas House to discuss the future plans for the facility and its residents.I understand that just one client remains as a resident of the facility, and in fact the person concerned is moving to an appropriate community residential home with immediate effect. It is still the case that international evidence demonstrates that the outcomes for individuals are always better in the community, and Government policy is for people with disabilities to be supported to achieve their full potential so that, where possible, they can live ordinary lives, in ordinary places, doing ordinary things.

Future plans for the building are a matter for the HSE. My understanding is that the building, when vacated, will need to be assessed by the HSE as to its suitability for any further use.