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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

An Castan service cuts

Summary

Deputy O'Rourke said a high-support day service for adults with disabilities in Navan had been cut by 40%, badly affecting 14 users and their families. The Minister said she was not familiar with the details, but would ask the relevant Minister of State to look into it immediately.

During Covid, the Irish Wheelchair Association took over An Castan, the then HSE-run high support day service for adults with disabilities which is based on Commons Road, Navan. Some 14 adults from County Meath are greatly dependent on the service. It is a vital lifeline and support for those using it and their families. Before Christmas, services for all 14 of them were cut by 40%, from five days to three days. These are adults with considerable needs. It is a high-support service. The Irish Wheelchair Association states it is living with a recruitment and retention crisis. It understandably points to pay parity with HSE counterparts. These are vulnerable adults who need significant support. Many of them are immobile, incontinent or non-verbal. They are in desperate need of these services. The services need to be reinstated. It is very difficult to get an answer from the HSE, as all Members are aware. We need a ministerial or departmental intervention.

Comment on this

The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, will respond to the Deputy.

Comment on this

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I am not over the details of it. If he sends them on, I will speak to the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, about it. As the Deputy is aware, the Government is committed to enhancing services for people with disabilities. The Deputy referred to the fact that the Irish Wheelchair Association stated there were difficulties with recruitment and retention. That may be the reason for the 40% service cut. Services are so important for people with disabilities. If the Deputy passes on the details, we will have it looked into straight away.

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