Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Rabbitte for raising this issue and offering me the opportunity to respond. The Government is fully committed to supporting efforts to ensure the necessary supports for people with disabilities, along with their families, and to ensuring they are provided in a timely manner, not just in our home county of Galway but right across the country. As the Senator is aware, the Toghermore site in Tuam, which is owned and operated by the HSE, is currently under review by the HSE under a direction issued in May 2024 by the Senator herself in her capacity as the then Minister of State with responsibility for disability. The review is examining the current use of the campus which will inform future health planning needs and what the campus may be required for. HSE officials have advised me they are engaging with the relevant stakeholders, including Galway County Council, on this matter. A meeting was held with the HSE and Galway County Council on 4 June last and a follow-up meeting is provisionally scheduled for this September, where an update will be provided to the local authority. Pending the outcome of this review, the HSE continues to utilise the facilities on the grounds at Toghermore House for a number of services, including the national counselling service, mental health services, quality and risk, paediatric outpatient, HR and administration support. The HSE officials have confirmed to me that the HSE has not made a final decision on the use of the lands at present.

I am aware that the development of a national equine assisted therapy centre at the site has been proposed. Any capital project is required to go through the normal capital approvals as per HSE processes and in line with the national infrastructure guidelines. My understanding is that Toghermore is at the very early stages of this process and a formal capital submission has not been made to HSE capital and estates. When that submission is made, it will be considered for approval and subsequent inclusion in the list of capital projects being progressed under the capital plan.

I firmly believe it is important for the people of Galway that this review is done properly and promptly to ensure that we can provide the best possible services to the people of the area, now and into the future.