Jobs under threat at Bawnmore center

Center says they need €1.5 million immediately to save jobs and services

Limerick TD’s are to raise the issue of funding problems at Bawnmore Day Services and Residential Care canter in the Dail tonight.

Reports today say the centre which is run by the Brothers of Charity may have to cut services for up to 100 disabled people as it enters “Desperation stakes” in regards to funding.

The charity also says 60 jobs are at risk because it has not received much needed funding this year. The center has said it needs €1.5 million immediately to save jobs and services. If not, 30 jobs may go before the end of the year.

CEO Bob Sillery spoke to the Limerick Independent newspaper today,

“60 staff could lose their jobs and a large number of our users will have restricted services. We have people who are here seven days a week and their families may now have to take them home at weekends. We are going backwards 10 years. We have to start doubling up bedrooms. Already we can’t provide a full day service for 60 people and that will increase to 100”

Limerick TD’s Michael Noonan and Kieran O'Donnell will raise the issue in the Dail tonight.

NEW DETAILS
Junior Minister for Health and Children Sean Haughey responded in the Dail by saying the center in Bawnmore has taken on more employees than it had agreed with the HSE.

Mr. Haughey said the full level of funding approved for the Bawnmore center will be paid to the organisation this year saying it was his belief that every health service provider must take responsibility for operating within its means and budget allocation.

He said the Brothers of Charity ran up its current deficit by the hiring of these extra staff.