Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
586. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to mitigate against any potential service emergency in the disability and residential care sector in view of the announcement by St. John of God that it will be withdrawing from service provision under current circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31155/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, St John of God Community Services recently served the HSE with 12 months’ notice of its intention to terminate the provision of services under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004 with a view to transferring responsibility of disability and mental health services and supports to the state by 1 October 2021.
The primary concern of the Government at this time is to ensure the continuity of supports and services provided by St John of God Community Services for people with disabilities, those with mental health issues and their families.
I understand that the HSE is fully committed to continue engaging with St John of God Community Services and I would encourage the organisation concerned to work collaboratively with the HSE in the period ahead to ensure stability and continuity of service provision for those who rely on these vital services.
As the Deputy's question deals with services funded by the HSE, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
