Independent TD Mattie McGrath has called on the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, to listen to the pleas of the families and service users of Rehab who fear that a collapse of the organisations work may take place without additional funding. Deputy McGrath was speaking ahead of Rehab’s meetings with the Minister and Minister of State for Disability Issues, Finian McGrath, which is due to take place tomorrow:
“I have worked in close partnership with the excellent Rehab organisation in Bridgewater House here in Clonmel and Knocklofty and indeed all over the county for many years now.
The dedication and commitment of the staff and service users is second to none.
To think that all of that and indeed the work of Rehabs 147 services in 117 locations around the country will be threatened due to a funding gap of €2million is incomprehensible.
I have written to the Minister requesting that he engage in good faith with Rehab and listen to the concerns that clearly exist.
I accept that HIQA has found there needs to be improvements in the organisation national governance structure; but most of the current challenges arise from the escalating cost of providing the kind of care that Rehab engage in.
That is something which can be directly tackled by the Minister for Health.
It would be a significant and indefensible blow to families and communities if the work of Rehab was to cease at this point especially given the level of dependency that many families have on it for relief and assistance,” concluded Deputy McGrath.
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