Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit chuig an Teach. Before I outline my case, I thank the Minister of State for taking time out of her very busy schedule recently to visit County Monaghan and the Errigal Truagh Special Needs Parents and Friends CLG. We look forward to that project and many others in the region progressing.

I raise once again the issue of the much-needed replacement facility for day services at Clogher House in Cavan. Last year the area's disability services, supported by HSE estates' north east department, completed a comprehensive submission for capital funding for a new day service premises to replace the premises based in Rathcorrick. With the best will in the world, the premises there, unfortunately, leaves a lot to be desired. That in no way diminishes the quality of service that those attending receive from the staff there. The submission in question was supported by the development of a new day activation unit in County Cavan and I was very happy last year when €4.6 million was allocated to progress the project. I understand there is a process to go through. A greenfield site, in line with national policy standards, was identified and deemed suitable in Cavan town, to provide services for a new day-activation unit and a lease option was explored.The property review group advised that the submission was classed as a works contract and, therefore, would need to be advertised in line with public procurement guidelines and eTenders. An initial timeline was set out for the eTenders process and signed off from HSE property, with detailed design, planning permission and, finally, construction, commissioning and equipping. In November of last year, stage 1 of the procurement process to identify a suitable provider to deliver a facility for the HSE in Cavan town was concluded and stage 2 of the procurement process had commenced. I understand that the HSE has invested in a number of initiatives at the existing premises, and that is very much welcome, but it is clear that a new premises is what is required.

I look forward to the Minister of State outlining this morning where exactly this project is at. Needless to say, everyone would like to see it delivered yesterday because the premises where the service is currently located, as I said earlier, leaves a lot to be desired. Those attending, the service users, and the staff deserve much better. I hope now that we have got to a point where we are ready to progress this. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.