There has been progress in the deadlock negotiations surrounding the financial problems existing at St. Aidan’s Services, Gorey, and its future, this afternoon.
Minister of State, Michael D’Arcy, T.D. has convened a meeting for the first week in December between the HSE and members of the Board of St Aidan’s Day Care Centre, Gorey.
“The purpose of the meeting is to make arrangements for a joint resolution that would deal with a number of concerns regarding St Aidan’s Day Care Centre in Gorey,” Minister D’Arcy informed WexfordToday.com and he added; “Matters to be discussed include financial sustainability, regulatory compliance as well as the overall governance arrangements for this important service provider.”
Financial problems and possible closure of St. Aidan’s Services in Gorey has already been raised on floor of Dail Éireann by Enniscorthy-based Fianna Fail T.D. James Browne.
As reported here on Wexford Today.com on October 31st, there are major concerns because the HSE has failed to honour a commitment that has left the popular Gorey-based community service out of pocket to the tune of €428,635.83.
Deputy Browne outlined that St Aidan’s Services was established in 1968 and “is now facing imment closures because of a shortage of funding coming from the HSE that was promised.”
St. Aidan’s provides day, residential, respite, pre-school, elderly services and training services to over 250 individuals based at Millands, Gorey, with an outreach at Camolin.
Meals-on-Wheels are also provided to the local community four days a week and 130 staff are employed throughout the services.
Today’s news will be welcomed by all at St. Aidan’s Services and the wider community of Gorey and North Wexford and there is increased optimism that the matter can be resolved before Christmas.