Ina O'Dwyer from Cahirciveen in Co Kerry wrote an open letter to the Disability Minister Finian McGrath last week after he said families are dumping relatives in residential facilities. Ina's son Bernard who is nearly 41 has profound special needs and has lived in St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort in Co Kerry since 1981 and she spoke to Sean O'Rourke this morning.
Interview with our chairman Jack Fitzpatrick and Breda Keane about the recent meeting with Kerry County Council. "Ministers come and go, policies change, but St Mary of the Angels will be staying." That’s the message relayed by Leas-Cathaoirleach of the South and West Kerry Municipal District, Councillor Norma Moriarty, when yesterday’s meeting received a deputation from the St Mary of the Angels Parents and Relatives Group.
Interview with chairman Jack Fitzpatrick and RTÉ journalist Paschal Sheehy about preparations for this year's Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle where St Mary of the Angels is one of the main beneficiaries.
Coverage of the Golden Jubilee and interviews with Sister Mary Rose Doyle, Eilish Perryman and Claire O'Dwyer.
Jack Fitzpatrick was chosen for his campaign to keep St Mary of the Angels facility open for residents including his son Bernard. The award was accepted on behalf of Jack by his daughter Laura Fitzpatrick.
Radio Kerry News on 14th April: "Parents and relatives of residents of St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort are seriously concerned for the future of the facility. This follows recent news that the current service provider, St John of God Community Services, may have to sell off their assets and properties to meet their debts." Interview with Jack Fitzpatrick and Eilish Perryman plus listener's comments.
"It's a question of providing for the care of the residents, and indeed for future residents going forward, and that's the priority, to do what needs to be done to protect and be in the best interest of the current residents and future residents - that's what it's all about."—Norma Foley
Listen back to today's powerful interview with Norma Foley - TD on Radio Kerry.
Relief as St John of God to continue services at St Mary of the Angels
The brother of a resident at St Mary of the Angels says she is delighted that St John of God will continue to run services there.
St John of God is to defer its proposed exit from community services, which will ensure the vital services are maintained across Kerry, including the congregated residential facility in Beaufort.
It is to take part in a sustainability impact assessment with the HSE to discuss its future service provision.
Joyce Fleming speaks about the recent very positive HIQA report for St Mary of the Angels.
Minister Anne Rabbitte speaks about her visit to St Mary of the Angels and commits to the viability of St Mary of the Angels for the future.
In the current impasse between St John of God Community Services and the HSE over funding issues, Michael Healy-Rae advocates for the service users, their families as well as staff.
St Mary of the Angels Parents Association representative Eilish Perryman speaks with Jerry about the current situation regarding the proposed takeover of St John of God Community Services by the HSE.