Cavan disability services
Deputy Smith presses for better disability day services in Cavan and Monaghan, including replacement of inadequate facilities and progress on Drumlin House. The Taoiseach says capital funding, a new site and procurement steps are already underway.
I raise again the urgent need to improve services in Cavan and Monaghan for persons with disabilities. The present totally inadequate day activation unit at Rathcorrick, Cavan town, needs to be replaced with a modern facility that caters properly for the needs of service users. A new day activation unit must have the capacity to provide for increased numbers of attendees. The young adults in need of the service have waited for far too long for an appropriate modern unit. I am anxious to have the proposal for substantial investment in Drumlin House day services in Cootehill progressed quickly. New facilities are needed to provide properly for an increasing number of trainees. Day services, provided in an activation unit or training centre, are vital for the well-being of the young people, who, with their complex needs, face particular challenges day in, day out. I continue to support the parents in their efforts to have such proper facilities provided at both sites.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. Clogher House is a day activation unit premises based in Rathcorrick, County Cavan. The HSE advises that there is a comprehensive submission for capital funding for new day services and for premises to replace Clogher House, in line with the national HSE new directions policy for adult day services approved in 2024. HSE disability services and HSE Dublin and North East capital and estates concluded a tender process for a leasehold site in Cavan, which was approved in July of last year. Letters have now been issued to the successful and unsuccessful tenderers and once all outstanding issues are addressed, the HSE will look at engaging with the preferred provider on milestones and the programme of delivery. I will engage with the Minister, Deputy Foley, directly on the expansion and redevelopment of Drumlin House day services in Cootehill. I understand that an allocation of €7.5 million was provided towards the expansion of Drumlin House in 2024. I will further engage with the Minister in respect of that.