The programme for Government gives a commitment to improve services for disabled citizens and to improve the lives of people with a physical or mental impairment. Last Thursday, representatives of the Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA, appeared before a special sitting of the Joint Committee on Health. They made it crystal clear that if funding for necessary works had been made available, the decision to close the Cuisle centre in Roscommon would not have been made. The health committee has made a formal request in writing to the IWA asking it to pause its decision to close Cuisle this Friday and we should all reiterate that call.

People from all over Ireland use Cuisle, as the Taoiseach probably knows. It offers a unique service. The hotel model being pushed as a replacement is not appropriate and excludes many people. People are very concerned about the closure of this holiday resort. Can the Taoiseach say anything or give any positive news to those families and individuals?

Any decision on this is, of course, for the Irish Wheelchair Association to take. I am told that the Irish Wheelchair Association does not own the existing facility and the lease arrangement in place for it will expire in 2026. Capital investment to upgrade the facility is estimated at a cost of €2 million. The HSE further understands that is a minimum estimate of the costs associated with upgrades and does not include the potential for further works that may arise owing to the current building condition, including the presence of asbestos.