Ivana Bacik (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her very strong reply. I have raised this matter in the Seanad a number of times but I am grateful to the Minister of State for responding so directly on it. Clearly, there is an issue with regard to the provision of care to vulnerable persons beyond the specific issues affecting St. Mary's. In the context of St. Mary's, I am grateful to the Minister of State for setting out the background. I am shocked, although not surprised, to hear just how little notice was provided and that the HSE was only advised on 23 July that St. Mary's was to be placed in voluntary provisional liquidation. This action was not expected or anticipated. Indeed, it was contrary to what the board of management had advised the HSE up until the previous week. That is shocking and shameful and shows just how shamefully the Sisters of Charity and related companies have behaved towards residents, staff and the State in respect of this issue. Let us not forget that the Sisters of Charity owe the State approximately €3 million in unpaid redress so there is a broader context to this matter.

I thank the Minister for State for setting out the ongoing steps the HSE has taken to engage with those who are still dependent on the continued existence of the facility for their home. I hope that engagement will continue in order to ensure that provision is made for those vulnerable residents and that the uncertainty they currently face, which has caused them so much stress and trauma, will be resolved by some sort of clear provision for their future care. I hope the Minister of State will bring that message back to the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. I would be really grateful for that. I remind the Minister of State once again of just how much stress, trauma and upset this issue has caused people.