The Dáil Health Committee is to bring the Irish Wheelchair Association before it to explain why it is not prepared to allow Cuisle to be taken over as a going concern.

“At the Dáil Committee this morning Senator Keith Swanick, with my support, obtained agreement to bring the  Irish Wheelchair Association before it to explain how they intend to provide respite care to people who cannot be accommodated in hotels,” explained Denis Naughten.

He pointed out that despite a request by An Taoiseach and Minister Finian McGrath to postpone the decision to allow for another funding model to be put in place, it seems the  Irish Wheelchair Association is determined to close this vital facility in just 16 days’ time.

“Furthermore, the  Irish Wheelchair Association has not been prepared to meet with the local TDs, so the only way to get public accountability for taxpayers’ money and hard-earned local fundraising put into Cuisle is to bring the organisation before the Health Committee,” added Denis Naughten.

“After the forthcoming meeting of the Health Committee with the Irish Wheelchair Association we will have to consider if this matter should be referred to the Public Accounts Committee for further investigation.”