Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss the reopening of day services in the disability sector. I believe people with disabilities and their families have arguably been one of the sectors most disadvantaged by Covid. The closure of disability services in March took away a lifeline for many people and families. There have been very disturbing repercussions for users and their families. I refer to the survey carried out by Inclusion Ireland. I pay tribute to its outgoing chairperson, Lorraine Dempsey, who has done amazing work. When she described how service users were talking about their feelings about not using day services, she used words like loneliness, worry, anxiety and anger. Having a plan for service users is hugely important. Regarding family members and carers, sadly, there was an increase in challenging behaviours. This has been very difficult. The fact that no respite was offered during that period - there are delays in getting back into a regime of respite - is difficult for many families on many different levels. I ask the Minister of State to treat this as an urgent matter.

In the constituency in which I live, the services provided by KARE, the Muiriosa Foundation and Camphill Communities of Ireland are critical in catering to the needs of people with disabilities from Kildare, west Wicklow and parts of east Offaly. The loss of this service has been very difficult to deal with. The lack of stimulation experienced by many service users has led to a very sad regression that it will take years to get back, if ever. The reopening is welcome but at the moment, the highest rate is about 40%. I know the Minister of State talked about getting to 50%, which is welcome, but it is hugely important.

I have raised the redeployment of staff from the disability sector with the Minister of State a number of times. Children losing these disability services leads to regression. We cannot see these children being abandoned, as is the case at the moment. I acknowledge the significant efforts made by disability services staff in upskilling and providing outreach but at the same time, one to one is what we want. I wish to raise the ongoing inequity relating to pay between staff in section 38 and section 39 organisations, which is completely wrong. We need equality of pay and to value those who work in each of those sectors.

I have spoken to the Minister of State about the voluntary sector. I am talking about local clubs like the Special Olympics and local Down's syndrome clubs. The Minister of State spoke about the investment coming from her Department, which is very welcome. Some of those other services that are being provided also need to be given the supports they need.