Following a visit last week to our county by the Minister of State with responsibility for disability issues, Deputy Finian McGrath, where he saw at first hand the outstanding facilities and great community in St. Mary Of The Angels, St. John of God Services Beaufort, I again call on the Government to revisit the policy set out in June 2011, Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion, and ensure that communities like that in Beaufort will remain open. One shoe does not fit all sizes. Many of the people in these homes are only suited to such facilities. Others can go out into communities where they thrive and do better but not everybody can do this. By not allowing more people to go into a place like St. Mary Of The Angels, we are closing the facility by stealth.

I am sure the Minister of State will make his decision based on what he has seen in terms of the sensitivities and personal issues that arise here. It has been a few years since I visited that location. I saw at first hand the wonderful work people do. I will advise the Minister of State to contact the Deputy regarding his question following his visit.