Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this matter and welcome the opportunity to provide an update on it. I am told this morning that the proposal to repurpose CoAction child and family centre in Bantry into a residential for adults is in response to several recent HIQA reports which highlighted unsuitable premises at the Bayview-Seskin residential unit. In light of this, the HSE requested that CoAction review properties for rent or sale in Bantry and the wider area as an alternative to repurposing the existing administration building. The HSE also maintained contact with CoAction with regard to existing HSE buildings in the area. The HSE has stated that it is advised that appropriate housing stock in the area continues to be extremely limited. Timelines involved in bringing potential properties to a standard that will meet appropriate regulations are also a consideration given the pressing nature for placing of residents in safe and appropriate accommodation. I am advised that the completion of the residential unit refit in Bayview, when coupled with the repurposing of the administration building, will keep vital residential services in the area and create an additional capacity of up to six residential overnight respite placements.

While I appreciate the pressure CoAction may be under, I do not agree with the removal of children's services from their current location. I cannot be clearer. I have seen the building, and it is an impressive asset to have. I understand great upset was aired by families at CoAction's AGM last week and I can entirely see why this has left families upset, concerned, frustrated and taking to social media with their children to tell their stories and outline why they need to retain this service. While I compliment CoAction on an excellent, efficient service in children's teams, the removal of that and the weaponising of children to lobby to keep a service is wrong.

I will share something that is still in draft mode. I have the progressing disability services, PDS, roadmap in front of me. It states that, as an example, the CDNT team in west Cork, which was established in 2013, reported no vacancies in October 2021 and, at the end of August 2022, had no child waiting longer than three months for an initial contact. When I first received that information, I asked if we could check it with the HSE and also check the parliamentary questions to make sure it was accurate. Within a week, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan told me what is unfolding in Deputy Lombard's area. I again make clear that there can and will be no closure of children's services. I will work with the HSE and CoAction to ensure children's services remain in place while we address HIQA concerns at Bayview and undertake repurposing to ensure the users have the best purpose-built building, but not at the expense of the children.