St Mary’s of the Angels Parents and Relatives Association members met with Minister for Education and Kerry TD Norma Foley and other senior Government members this week.

The group are concerned about the potential sale of the Beaufort Care Facility because of financial difficulties faced by site operator St John of God.

The meeting, organised by Minister Foley, was attended by Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with responsibility for Disability Anne Rabbitte and a number of her officials.

This was the first opportunity for parents and guardians to put forward their views and concerns to Minister Rabbitte regarding the future of St Mary of the Angels.

The speakers asked for a guarantee that St Mary of the Angels and its land would remain in trust for the benefit of its residents.

“One of the key points here is that St Mary of the Angels and its land was entrusted to the provider for the benefit of its residents and future residents," Minister Foley said.

"It is important going forward that this remains the case and that the facility and its land will always be utilised for the benefit of its current and future residents.”

They also asked to be included in the decision-making process and have a more active management role in the running of the facility.