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

I have engaged with the IWA and the HSE. I raised the concerns the Senator raised in the House last week with regard to staff, the way they were treated, funding and so forth. That is ongoing.What I am saying to colleagues is that I am in favour of choice and respite services. I spent yesterday meeting disabled people who use Cuisle and I made a point of listening to what they were saying to me. I have made my views well known. I cannot intervene in the day-to-day running of a section 39 organisation but I can make my views known, in addition to the views the Senators' reflected to me and those on other issues.

The Irish Wheelchair Association is saying most of its people want the hotel model. That is their choice. I am always available to meet the association and the HSE. Should the association wish to discuss any future proposal with me, my door will never be closed. I listen to people and to common-sense advice but I will not take any lectures from Senators such as Senator Leyden, who are saying I closed down Cuisle. I did not.