Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2005
185 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding funding for additional staff at St. Mary’s, Drumcar, County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the recent meeting held in relation to St Mary’s. [3425/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.
In this regard, the Health Service Executive's north-eastern area met the St. John of God order's north-east services on 1 February 2005 At that meeting it was agreed to use the existing joint partnership forum to develop a strategy on how best to continue the implementation of the Sale & Oreschnjck report to address the outstanding priority concerns regarding health and safety issues and critical staffing levels at St. Mary's residential services. Both parties are hopeful for a positive outcome.
The Health Service Executive's north-east disability services and St. John of God north-east service will arrange to keep parent representatives abreast of developments.
