ST AIDAN’S STAFF IN ANXIOUS WAIT FOR THEIR WAGES

Staff members at St Aidan’s Day Care Services in Gorey received their payments later than normal last week.

This follows the news that the centre is in danger of closing due to a serious financial crisis, resulting from the HSE failure to honour an agreement made in 2016 to provide funding to the organisation to address a core financial deficit.

‘If we weren’t in this financial position, then staff would have been paid as normal last Thursday,’ said Maura Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of the centre. ‘It was later than normal this week which can be quite difficult for those whose bills might come out of a Thursday.’

As a result, Deputy James Browne TD has demanded Minister for Health Simon Harris to ‘immediately intervene’ to protect the service.

‘This is a very distressing time for those staff members coming up to Christmas,’ said Deputy Browne.

Deputy Browne has called for a special Dáil debate with Minister Harris on the risk of the service’s closure and the possible of non-payment of staff wages next month. He has also written to the Minister for Disabilities Finian McGrath asking him to act urgently on the matter.

‘It is also causing untold stress for service users receiving care from St Aidan’s and their families,’ added Deputy Browne. ‘The Gorey based service provides an outstanding level of care.’

At St Aidan’s Day Care AGM held last month, Chief Executive Officer of the centre Maura Kelly addressed the current financial situation.

She said a core deficit was identified and agreed with the HSE in 2016 for ongoing service the organisation was providing without funding totalling to €277,151 per annum. She added the HSE has provided €167,771 on an ongoing basis towards that identified deficit, however, the Board of Directors and senior management have been continuously pursuing the outstanding amount of €109,380 for the last three years which now amounts to €328,140 owing to the organisation.

St Aidan’s currently provides day, residential, respite, preschool, elderly services and training services to over 250 individuals. It also provides meals on wheels to the local community four days a week and 130 staff are employed throughout the services.

‘It’s a critical time for the service-users and their families along with the 130 staff members,’ said Deputy Browne. ‘I will continue to do my utmost to challenge the Government on the financial crisis affecting St Aidan’s.’