Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising this important matter. She will appreciate that the new programme for Government has highlighted the importance of community services for older people to assist them to remain independent and live in their homes with dignity and independence for as long as possible. Many older people living at home rely on services that they receive through day centres and the outreach these centres provide, which often includes meals on wheels.

As the Senator referenced, Allenwood daycare centre is a HSE-funded service in Kildare. It is managed and operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul through a service level arrangement for daycare and meals on wheels services in Allenwood and the surrounding area. In December 2024, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul issued a temporary notice of closure to the people who use the service and notified the HSE older persons services accordingly. The HSE reports that 34 people were affected - the Senator mentioned 37 - by the notified closure. I fully appreciate that the closure has caused considerable upset to the people who use the service. The Senator referenced people like Karen Gorey and many others have contacted me. The Minister, Deputy Martin Heydon, has been in communication with me. Councillor Brendan Wyse also contacted me about the closure. The centre is hugely important for the community.

The HSE older persons section contacted all people affected by the closure, offering them an alternative daycare place from 28 January. Engagement is ongoing. The HSE actively sources transport to assist clients to travel to other day centres. I note the reservations the Senator has highlighted in that regard. I am also advised that everyone has been offered a meals on wheels service. Furthermore, the HSE is also examining the possibility of engaging new providers to deliver the service. I instructed my officials to contact the HSE and seek to expedite the engagement of a new provider to deliver the service.

As a private voluntary organisation, decisions about the closure of the service and the employment of staff rest with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. It has advised the HSE that it is currently conducting an internal review of the service and the HSE is awaiting the outcome of that review. It is understood that the decision to close is not related to the availability of funding from the HSE.

In the meantime, it is essential that people who rely on the service are provided with reasonable alternatives. Senator O'Loughlin referred to Ballyteague GAA club, which is where the Allenwood service is located. As I have stated, as well as working to find places in other services for those affected, the HSE is examining the possibility of engaging new providers to deliver the service. That is something I have asked my officials to look at expediting. I know the impact it is having on people and their families. I am new to the role, but I have made a lot of inquiries about this matter. I know the impact of the lack of services on people.

In the longer term, it is planned that the day service would move to Kilmeague Health Centre. Refurbishment works are currently under way and are expected to be completed by June 2025. The HSE continues to seek engagement updates from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul on this matter. The matter the Senator has highlighted is that a service was in place which was of huge benefit to local people and their families. I have asked the HSE, through my departmental officials, to consider extensively the possibility of engaging a new provider to deliver the service.