The Social Action Group Rathmore day services have been in operation almost 32 years. They have grown and expanded to a state-of-the-art facility and are often referred to as the gold standard for the type of services provided. However, this year and next the services face substantial financial difficulty, with projections of a €62,000 deficit this year and a €68,000 one next year. Furthermore, the services have borne the cost of providing section 39 workers with the necessary increment agreed by the workplace committee in advance and they are seeking reimbursement for that. The services serve a huge hinterland in east Kerry and into Cork. The services provided ensure many elderly people can continue to live at home, which saves the State huge costs in return.

Just two years ago the board and local HSE management were looking at expanding the service from five days to six.

We are way over time.

Now, if the services are not provided with the necessary costs to keep going, the group will have to seriously consider a reduction in services.

Deputy, we are way over time.

This is a voluntarily run charitable status organisation-----

The question, Deputy.

-----and I am asking that the Government, Department of Health and HSE intervene positively here to ensure-----

This sounds like a Topical Issue.

-----the service continues-----

Come on now.

-----as it currently is.

Can we just have clarification on whether this is disability or older people, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle?

No, the question has been asked now. We will have to deal with the ambiguity.

Either way, on the section 39 pay that was agreed last year, the HSE is finalising its KOSI applications at the moment, so that funding should be making its way to the staff as we speak. For other details I will talk to the Deputy outside.