Denis Naughten has called for a definitive date for the full reopening of all-day services following confirmation from the HSE that all older people and adults with underlying health conditions have been fully vaccinated

“It is unacceptable that State funded day services for people with a disability and older people remain closed, or only available for part of the week, despite the fact that both users and staff are fully vaccinated,” stated Denis Naughten.

“At present people using disability training centres are getting as little as one day a week while older people have had no access to a day service whatsoever since March 2020 and this is all because we are still awaiting public health advice and a Government direction on the reopening of these vital services.

“The HSE CEO Paul Reid has confirmed that as of last Friday all older people and adults with underlying health conditions have been fully vaccinated so there is absolutely no reason not to set a clear date for the full reopening of all day services.

“Older people and people with a disability have suffered the most over the last 16 months, so why are they not now entitled to a vaccine bonus?

“I hope that Government will make a decision this week on the reopening of these vital services because it is completely unacceptable that the doors of these vital days services, for the most vulnerable in our society, remain closed or are only open for part of the week,” concluded Denis Naughten.