Deputy Catherine Connolly said she very much welcomes confirmation from the Minister that the day centre in Áras Mhic Dara in Carraroe will reopen and that a nurse will be available off-site. Deputy Connolly expressed serious concern however that a firm date for reopening has still not been set.
It is a matter that Deputy Connolly has raised repeatedly in the Dáil, most recently earlier this month in a topical issue debate and while the Minister of State confirmed that the day centre will reopen, unfortunately he did not give a specific date.
In this regard Deputy Connolly has now gone back to the HSE to seek clarity on a number of matters, including what steps the HSE have taken with local GPs and PHNs on the ground to establish demand, given that the local GP set out clearly at a recent public meeting in Carraroe that the demand for the service was overwhelming. Clarification is also required on what the HSE mean when they say a nurse will be available off-site.
Deputy Connolly said that given that over three years has now elapsed since the closure of the day centre, there is now an urgent need to give a specific opening date.
