Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful to the Minister of State for attending this debate and giving such a lengthy opening statement. I am also grateful to my colleague, Senator Colm Burke, the Fine Gael health spokesperson, for allowing me to substitute for him today on basis that I am familiar with this matter, both as a local representative and from my time with Councillor Devlin on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. I must give credit to Senator Humphreys whose tireless efforts on the Order of Business last week ensured we were able to have statements on this crucial topic.

We have discussed many issues, most importantly the funding shortfall and the real concern among the 100 staff of St. Joseph's who provide such excellent care to many people. The community, not only in the Shankill area, but throughout south Dublin, north County Wicklow and into County Wexford, rely on the services provided by St. Joseph's. I must echo the call that rather than continuing with intensive engagement, we must get a resolution to this issue which provides certainty to patients, their families and all those connected to this facility.

Regardless of how it is phrased, the statement by the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, that this facility will not close is welcome. We need to see the flesh on the bone and the full detail of what is planned for this very important facility. Many people in my area benefit greatly from the services it provides. They are given great peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are receiving the best quality treatment from those who know them and care about their health. Senator Devine eloquently laid out some of the advances that have been made in this facility over the years, which could serve as models for similar facilities throughout the country.

I was contacted by a lady in Dundrum whose husband has been cared for in St. Joseph's for some time. She told me he has a wonderful life there and it is his home away from home. Surely that is what we should advocate and seek in all such facilities but to do that we need to ensure that patients such as the husband of the lady in question are protected and can continue to avail of the superb standard of care offered by St. Joseph's. That can continue with guarantees and assurances. I urge all those concerned about this matter to allow the negotiations to run their course and not to panic. I underline, however, that we need to see a conclusion to those negotiations. While I fully appreciate that the Minister and Minister of State cannot engage directly and we must allow the negotiations to take their course, time is of the essence. Those who have concerns for their loved ones need to be certain their loved ones will be looked after.

I do not want to take up much time because many Senators want to contribute to the debate. I underline how important it is to many of the people I deal with to know that this facility is there and their loved ones are being cared for. St. Joseph's has become a vital part of our community and anything that can be done should be done as quickly as possible.