Drumcar needs united effort

A UNITED approach is need to address the ongoing issues surround respite care and residential needs at the St John of Gods facility in Drumcar, it has been claimed.

Last week local TDs Fergus O’Dowd, Gerry Adams and Declan Breathnach met with management at Drumcar and representatives from the HSE to discussion the matter.

The need to prioritise the significant shortfalls in respite was one the main issues highlighted. Respite is something that I have campaigned on for some time and I’m extremely disappointed that we have not seen an improvement in this area,’ said Deputy O’Dowd. Many other important service issues were also discussed including the concerns of family members who have loved ones in the residential units in Drumcar.

He said the representatives agreed to communicate and draft a plan to address the significant shortcomings in the next few weeks.

It is hoped that a meeting with the Louth Oireachtas members and the Minister for Disabilities Finian McGrath will take place shortly to further progress solutions for the concerned families we represent.

Deputy Adams added: ‘I have spoken to many constituents recently who are carers for their relatives with intellectual disabilities. They all raise similar issues with me.’ He said these include the lack of proper respite and the absence of future residential accommodation and said they point to a worsening crisis for people with disabilities.