Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)

Throughout the lifetime of the Government, I have emphasised the need to maintain and expand the services that exist for older people within our communities. The Templemore community care project is a group that oversees the provision of a range of vital services, including day care for older people, a community preschool, community social work, family support services, Traveller support services and an invaluable meals on wheels service. The work of this group is the heartbeat of a very wide-ranging community. They provide a lifeline for an ever-growing number of people in Templemore and neighbouring parishes. Services are currently delivered from a premises in the town. Day care attendees range between 75 and 90 years of age. Restrictions on space prevent the extension of services to those aged 65 to 75. One community room acts as both sitting room and dining room, and there are no outdoor recreational areas. Access to physiotherapy and other ancillary services is by chairlift. Underlining this issue of space is the fact that some clients can be catered for only one day a week, with an ever-growing waiting list for places. Existing facilities just about allow for the cooking of meals for the day care attendees and meals on wheels clients. Capacity to meet the ever-growing demand does not exist in the current location.

There is, however, a solution to this situation. In the heart of Templemore is a now vacant convent building occupied by the Sisters of Mercy since 1873. It contains large spaces and stands on 2.5 acres of beautiful grounds. This building, which is in remarkably good condition, provides the perfect setting for the provision of services in the community. The building has the capacity to accommodate and greatly expand key services to support the elderly, children, families and marginalised groups. This former convent, which has overseen the education of a huge percentage of the local population, holds the key to the present and future care of generations to come. The local committee has secured agreement on the purchase of this cherished building. The committee will make the maximum contribution possible towards its purchase. This will be enhanced by the generosity of local people who are conscious of the need for the ongoing and increased provision of invaluable services. The cost of securing this building cannot be undertaken without financial assistance from the State. The HSE has a duty of care to meet the needs of those served by Templemore community services. Their contribution to its purchase is crucial to its future. I ask the Taoiseach and his officials to engage with the HSE and other State agencies to secure their financial assistance to complete the purchase and alteration of this building. Templemore social services is essentially a voluntary group. On a daily basis, they deliver vital support for older people. The many people from Templemore and surrounding parishes benefit enormously. Those people greatly appreciate the quality of care and attention. The Government, through its agencies, must give practical and financial support to a very deserving project.

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