Issues of concern at Sunbeam House expose once again government disregard for disability sector in turmoil – John Brady TD
Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has expressed deep concern at reports that Sunbeam House Services in Bray have been found to be non-compliant by the regulator, HIQA. Concerns were raised in relation to fire safety, and behavioural support, which have not been addressed. While Sunbeam gave previous reassurances to address the issues raised by HIQA, this did not happen. Which is not acceptable.
The problems encountered by Sunbeam House are compounded by the failure of the government to address the many challenges within disability services, including the issue of resourcing. Until the core issue of resourcing is addressed, those providing services within the sector will continue to encounter difficulties.
Brady said:
“It is extremely alarming to read a number of inspection reports where Sunbeam House Services have been found to be non-compliant by the regulator, HIQA.
HIQA has raised very serious issues relating to fire safety and behavioural support over long periods of time and these have gone unaddressed by Sunbeam. Where commitments have been given by Sunbeam to rectify the problems, they appear not to have been met. In this day and age, this is simply unacceptable.
Community living, and person-centred planning have been a major success across Ireland. With this comes issues of compatibility of residents, staffing, and management oversight. A regular issue raised with me has been the acquisition of suitable property and the high cost of this.
If a resident with complex needs wishes to live in Bray, the likelihood of securing a suitable house is almost nil. Addressing such issues requires a joined-up approach from the council, HSE, and Sunbeam. At the end of the day, residents’ rights are fundamental and must be upheld.
I have been in contact with Sunbeam House Services seeking a meeting to assess where the problems lie, and I will be making representations to the Minister.
The areas of disability day service, respite, and residential care have been grossly under-resourced by a government who are throwing taxpayers money around like no tomorrow. Many families are struggling without the access to the right support. I am working with numerous families who rely on providers like Sunbeam, and it is essential that they operate effectively and with the right resources.
According to Adam Harris the CEO of ‘As I am’, one the leading Autism charities in the state, the recent budget delivered ‘a little for a lot’ but ‘doesn’t go far enough’, in reference to the series of one-off payments in Budget 2025. Which almost all commenters viewed as a clear political move designed to win votes in the upcoming election, but with zero focus on addressing the core needs of those with additional needs.
In other Sunbeam centres there are high levels of compliance with regulations and Sunbeam staff carry out a lot of good work. However, like with any organisation, matters will arise, and it is important to see that these are dealt with in a swift manner that uphold rights.
Those with additional needs and family carers deserve so much better but instead feel abandoned, that they are not being listened to and that they have been constantly let down by the government.
We see the crisis in residential and respite services here in Wicklow and for parents trying to get an Assessment of Needs for their children. The average duration of the Assessment of Needs process, as of Quarter 2 in 2024 was 23.72 months. This compares to 19.06 months in Quarter 2 in 2020.
Just last week Brambles Respite Centre, at St. Catherines in Newcastle had to close at a days’ notice, despite the best efforts of management and staff, leaving parents and children distraught.
The fact of the matter is that the whole area of disability and additional needs is under-resourced. The government quite deliberately chose to forsake the opportunity in Budget 2025 to address some of the challenges the sector faces.
And while I again express my concern at the findings in relation to Sunbeam House, the abject failure to address the resource needs of the sector, coupled with a lack of political will on behalf of the government, will I believe contribute to a repeat of similar findings in other services across the state.
The clear responsibility for this lies with the government. They need to get their house in order and commence government in the interests of the people, not their electoral ambitions.” ENDs