Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleagues in welcoming Senator Pippa Hackett to the House this afternoon. I had the pleasure of meeting Senator Hackett, her husband and her two children earlier today. I also welcome Deputy Catherine Martin, who comes from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, to the Gallery. Their party leader, Deputy Eamon Ryan, is also present. Senator Hackett is in very good company. This is a proud day for the Senator and her family. I hope she enjoys the rest of the day and the rest of her term in the Seanad.

I wish to join other Senators in mentioning the Cuisle respite centre in County Roscommon. I remind those who wonder why someone from the Cavan-Monaghan constituency would discuss a centre in Roscommon that the users of this facility come from all over the country. Indeed, I was contacted yesterday by people from Tydavnet, County Monaghan, who wanted to express their sadness, disappointment and annoyance that this much-loved facility is due to close at the end of this month. They told me of the joy they experienced when they availed of the respite services at the Cuisle facility. They spoke about the kindness and understanding shown by the staff to the people who stay there. This facility has given many families throughout the country their only possibility of respite. It has specialised equipment to cater for the needs of their loved ones. Needless to say, they are heartbroken about its proposed closure. As others have said, this facility has been open since 1997. I understand that issues have arisen on foot of a structural survey of the building, which appears to have highlighted a number of issues. I am sure the Leader will agree that none of these issues should be insurmountable. I ask him to use his good offices to ask the Minister for Health to intervene in this issue. Between 45 and 48 people are employed in this centre. On behalf of all the people who have had joyful and happy experiences when they have visited the centre, I put it to the Leader that the problems which exist at the centre can be surmounted with the goodwill of all parties. I have no doubt that a solution can be worked out over time.The facility should remain in place for all the people throughout the country who avail of it.