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

I once again thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising this issue. As I said, the service in Allenwood has been very important to communities. It is essential that people who are affected by the closure are accommodated quickly. It is important that there is good communication between the HSE and the service provider and the people who have been affected and their families.

As Minister of State with responsibility for older people, I am conscious of the significant contribution made by day centres like Allenwood across the country to support older people living in communities. I appreciate the considerable upset the closure has caused to the people who use the service. As I have stated, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is conducting an internal review and the HSE is awaiting its outcome. I note the points the Senator raised. 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, as I stated. As well as working to find places in other services, the HSE is examining the possibility of engaging a new provider to deliver the service. Through my officials, I have asked the HSE to expedite that. I am available to meet anyone. The Senator has written to me and I will set up a meeting. I understand Karen Gorey wrote to my predecessor. I am taking up the issue. It is something we can discuss again. The most important thing is to try to get a resolution to this as quickly as possible for the people who use the Allenwood service.