Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for being here. I am disappointed that the Minister for Health is not present to respond to my Commencement matter, which requests an update on funding from the Department of Health for Teach an Saol in Ballymun. I do not know if the Minister of State is familiar with the facility. It was born out of what could have been a terrible human tragedy. It is the result of what is arguably one of the most inspirational stories and life experiences I have had the privilege to become aware of and support for a number of years.

Reinhard Schäler and Patricia O'Byrne are neighbours of mine. Their son Pádraig was 22 years of age when he went to the United States on a J1 visa, as I did and as many young Irish people do. He went to Cape Cod and was knocked off his bicycle in a hit-and-run incident involving a truck. It is no exaggeration to say, although it pains me to do so, that he was left for dead. The only reason Pádraig is alive today is because of the love and dedication of his parents and family and the support, expertise, medical care and rehabilitation they have secured for and provided to him. What they have achieved represents the most inspirational story. In Santry, which is not in my constituency but that of Deputy Paul McAuliffe, they established Teach an Saol. Every day, people with severe acquired brain injury are supported there to live their lives with dignity and autonomy. Generally when we talk about disabilities, we talk about enabling people to live with dignity and autonomy and to be connected to the rest of the world. That is exactly what Teach an Saol does, not just for Pádraig but also for many individuals. From their day service, they developed a wonderful proposal for a Teach an Saol rehabilitation, residential and community centre. The concept has moved from a concept to a fully fledged business case and development plan. Land has been secured. I give credit to Deputy Paul McAuliffe, the TD for Dublin North-West, including Ballymun, for securing that land with Dublin City Council. The council came on board and the HSE, to be fair to it, has also done so. Ministers have visited, which I acknowledge. I also acknowledge that €1.3 million has already been allocated for the project. I accept and believe it is excellent that there is €27 million in capital funding for disability services in 2025 alone. However, this is urgent. Every minute, hour or day that passes matters for a person with a severe acquired brain injury. It matters more than it matters for any of us, for whom minutes and hours fly by. The power of what is being, and can be, delivered at Teach an Saol is enormous. I hope the Minister of State can update the Seanad on where the HSE and Department of Health stand on delivering the purpose-built residential and rehabilitative centre for Teach an Saol in Ballymun.