Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators who spoke so passionately in today's debate. It is heartening to know that despite some of our differences, Senators share my commitment to progressing our disability services and meeting the needs of people with disabilities and their families. However, when one delves down to the core of the issue, one sees that a lot of the anger expressed today is directed at the wrong place. I did not make any decision to close Cuisle; the board of the Irish Wheelchair Association made that decision. It is an independent, section 39 organisation and as Minister of State, I cannot get involved directly in its internal affairs. However, the members of the Irish Wheelchair Association are perfectly entitled to get directly involved. If they want an EGM to be held, I have no issue with that.

I will now respond to some of the specific issues raised during the course of the debate. Cuisle is a commercial operation from which the HSE purchases respite breaks. These breaks are provided under a service agreement between the Irish Wheelchair Association and the HSE. The HSE purchases respite breaks which are provided by way of a service arrangement. While the State funds the services of up to 6,600 people annually, only 480 people attend Cuisle. The HSE will continue to purchase respite breaks from the Irish Wheelchair Association in the new hotel model of service which is expected to commence in March. The HSE made that decision with the Irish Wheelchair Association. Reference was made to economic issues and the sum of €1.5 million. When I had a meeting with representatives of the Irish Wheelchair Association, they did not ask me for €1.5 million but said this decision was agreed by the association's members and board and I accepted their word. The issue of €1.5 million came up at a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health. There has been a change in position, which might answer Senator Leydon's question. I would like the Senator to ask the Irish Wheelchair Association why it changed its position.