Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:321. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if minutes from a meeting (details supplied) will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26324/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 19 June 2018
Ceisteanna (321)
Freagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy, regarding the meeting held on the 23 November 2017, no official minutes were taken of the meeting however a note was drawn up by one of my officials following the meeting, a copy of which you will find below.
Minister Harris meeting with iCare, 23 November
iCare representatives gave a history of the organisation and a summary of the services they provide. They currently support 150 families with a person with autism in the Inishowen region, many of whom have been referred to them by the HSE, although without funding.
iCare receives minimal state funding. HSE briefing indicated that iCare received €75,523 in funding in 2017 but iCare said that this is money the HSE pays through iCare to a landlord for the rental of a facility – iCare merely pay out the money but get no benefit from it. The HSE Disability Manager CHO1, Jacinta Lyons, undertook to investigate this. The other state funding received is Lottery funding - €2k in 2017.
Services provided by iCare and primarily community support and day respite – approximately 2 hours a day for 25 children, and another 2 hours a day for over 18s. They also provide services at weekends and summer holidays, including nights away.
iCare is looking for two things:
- A SLA with the HSE providing funding of €100,000 per annum to cover the services it provides to families with autism in the area;
- Capital investment from the HSE to build a permanent centre on land that it has purchased. The operation is currently running out of two pre-fabs which are nearing the end of their usable life
iCare had previously submitted a business case for ongoing funding but it was turned down. They have submitted a new case as part of the 2018 estimates; this has been escalated to HSE National level.
The submission for capital funding needs to be submitted through the CHO. The Disability Manager supports the work of the organisation and will assist with the application.
The Minister undertook to follow up with the HSE regarding service planning and said that he and/or Minister McGrath may visit the facility when they are next in Donegal.