Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the serious issue of the Cuisle national respite centre in Donamon in Roscommon. I have spoken with quite a number of staff members and service users of the Cuisle respite centre over the past number of days since news broke last Friday that it is to close on 29 November this year. This decision was made by the board of the Irish Wheelchair Association. It is really devastating and dreadful news for the service users, the 48 staff who are employed there and the local community in Donamon. The Cuisle centre is incredibly important for people with disabilities as it allows them to enjoy accessible holidays. It is a national centre and attracts people from all over Ireland and abroad.

I have spoken with the director of services at the Irish Wheelchair Association about the reasons for this decision and am advised that there is a need to complete electrical works at the centre which will cost well over €1 million. I am also advised that costings were sent to the HSE, although we do not have the exact details of the business plan that was sent to the HSE. I am also advised that a different model of care is in the process of being implemented which would involve moving away from congregated settings to more integrated holiday services within private hotels.

I want to clearly make the following point. I worked in the health service as an occupational therapist for eight years. I am very aware of the needs of many individuals with disabilities and the specialist equipment, facilities and carer support they require. I am extremely concerned that such a service cannot be provided elsewhere.

I have listened to many people who use that service, all of whom spoke positively about the fact that they are able to enjoy a holiday within a supportive environment. I have contacted the Minister, Deputy Harris, and the Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities, Deputy Finian McGrath, in order to explore all the options available to keep this important respite centre open. There will be a meeting with the Minister of State at 2.30 p.m. tomorrow but it is important that this issue is raised in the Seanad because this is a national respite centre and we need to support people with disabilities to live at home for the longest time possible but also to be able to enjoy holidays within a supportive environment.