Written Answers. - Mullingar (Westmeath) Resource Centre.
Mary Wallace
Question:
18
Miss M. Wallace
asked the
Minister for Health
if his attention has been drawn to the work of the Síol Resource Centre in Mullingar, County Westmeath, in promoting independence, social integration and a focus on daily living for young people with a mental handicap; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the decision to move the centre to premises two miles from the town centre has caused extreme disquiet amongst the parents and young adults involved in view of the fact that they believe this move will undermine the work of the centre; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there was a total lack of proper consultation in reaching the decision; if he will instruct that the decision to relocate the centre be reversed immediately and that the health board be instructed to enter into meaningful consultation with the parents and young adults involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[14940/95]
Limerick East): I assure the Deputy that I am aware of the Síol Resource Centre and of its work with adults with a mental handicap in the Mullingar area. I recently met representatives of the parents of those attending the centre.
The provision of services for people with a mental handicap in the Mullingar area is a matter for the Midland Health Board in the first instance.
The Síol Resource Centre was established as a joint venture involving the Midland Health Board, the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary and the Parents and Friends of the Mentally Handicapped, Mullingar and District. The service which is part of the overall day services programme for persons with a mental handicap funded by the Midland Health Board, was originally located on ground floor premises rented from the Loreto Sisters in Mullingar. This arrangement ceased in 1992 when the premises were required by the order due to the expansion of the Loreto secondary school. The service then moved to its present premises in Spoutwell Lane. These premises, while centrally located, are not ideal for the services, but were the best option available at the time. The building is two storey and as many of the clients have multiple handicaps, there is an increased risk of accidents occurring. The professional advice available to the board has indicated that the premises are unsuitable. There are also access and parking problems for the minibuses serving the Síol Centre.
As part of the overall development of services to persons with a mental handicap and to provide for those not in receipt of day services, the board made available to the mental handicap services in 1994 the former training centre in Pettiswood. This centre is located approximately 1.3 miles from the centre of Mullingar and is being developed by the board, the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary and the Parents and Friends of the Mentally Handicapped, Mullingar, as a resource centre. It will provide, in a purpose built, single storey building, a board range of integrated services including: a sheltered employment; supported employment opportunities; development of social skills; numeracy and literacy skills; and activities related to daily living.
The activities will include visits to shops, sports facilities and other outings as part of the overall programme. The new facility will offer the clients currently attending the Síol Centre access to a wider range of services.
In addition to providing more appropriate accommodation for the Síol service, it will also provide additional places for persons on the waiting list, including those who can currently only attend the Síol Centre on a part-time basis, that is, a half day to one or two days per week. With the additional funding provided in 1995, the board is currently recruiting a manager for the resource centre who I understand will be appointed shortly.
The board is very conscious of the need to promote the development of independence and the social integration of persons with a mental handicap. I understand from the board that the Parents and Friends of the Mentally Handicapped, Mullingar and District are actively seeking an appropriate facility in the town centre, which will complement and enhance the overall service provided by the Mullingar Resource Centre for its clients and replace the unsuitable and limited facilities at Spoutwell Lane.
I also understand from the board that the reasons for the integration of the Síol service within the new Mullingar Resource Centre have been explained to the parents. One of the anxieties expressed by the parents about the transfer was the proximity of the Resource Centre to St. Loman's Psychiatric Hospital. The board strongly rejects any inference that the location of the Resource Centre is in any way prejudiced by its proximity to St. Loman's hospital and its environs.
While I understand to some extent the anxieties which the change may cause to both the parents and their children, the service, which will be provided to them as a result of this move will be delivered in a professional and caring manner and will provide their children with improved opportunities to achieve their full potential.
