Press release
Minister Rabbitte meets with families of Dublin school leavers
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, today met with the families of young people leaving school at St. Michael’s House this year who will be entering a disability day service in September.
On 27 June, 13 families were sent a letter by St. Michael’s House (SMH) informing them that SMH would not be able to accept a referral to their adult disability day service.
Minister Rabbitte said:
“I met today (11 July) with the families of the school leavers affected and heard their concerns for the future of their family member. I assured them that I am committed to finding a satisfactory solution for these young people by the time they are due to start their day service placements in September.
“There is significant ongoing effort by the local disability team in HSE CHO DNCC (Dublin North City and County) to identify service placements for this group of school leavers. It is critical that suitable pathways are found for these young people as they make the transition into adult services, and we will leave no stone unturned in finding appropriate alternatives.
"Continuity is so important for the young people and families involved and I'm keen to see this sense of routine restored. There has been unnecessary stress and upset put on families and that's simply not fair. It was clear from today's meeting that communications have undoubtedly been poor from both the HSE and St Michael's House and I've been reassured that clearer communications to families will be central to the work being done to resolve this over the coming weeks."
Minister Rabbitte also noted that she plans to meet with the Board of St. Michael’s House in the coming weeks.