Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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299. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide urgent funding to a facility (details supplied) in County Louth for the care of persons with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues to allow it meet modern standards for delivery of care to persons in both institutional and community settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9189/17]

Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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300. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to problems uncovered with the services provided at a facility (details supplied) in County Louth for persons with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues; if his attention has been further drawn to the imminent closure by HIQA of four of the units at this facility and the distress that this will cause to persons and families that use same; if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for resources to keep this much needed service open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9190/17]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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302. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons that are living in the four units at St. John of Gods, Drumcar, which have been recommended for closure by HIQA; the outcome for these persons in the event that these units are closed; the measures that need to be taken to prevent closure of these units; the steps that will be taken to ensure these units are up to the required standard; the communication that has taken place with the families of these persons since the HIQA report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9193/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 299, 300 and 302 together.

The Government’s ongoing priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service. As the Deputies will be aware, regulation and inspection of residential centres for people with disabilities was placed on a statutory footing in November 2013 and compliance with HIQA standards is a requirement under the Service Level Arrangements between the HSE and non-statutory disability service providers.

I am aware of HIQA’s ongoing concerns regarding the safety and care of residents at the Saint John of God Drumcar facility in Louth, following numerous inspections the regulator has carried out there.

I understand that HIQA has recently issued notices of proposal to cancel registration of some of the centres at this facility. I also understand that HIQA is in very close liaison with both the service provider and the HSE in relation to these matters and I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputies with a detailed response on the various operational issues they have raised.