Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)

Respite has grown steadily in recent years. I know we have issues across the country. There was a year-on-year increase of nearly 10,000 overnights and 20,000 day sessions in respite in 2024. Some 7,000 people were supported by over 65,000 day respite sessions and over 160,000 respite overnights. We still have a very large unmet need. Respite is in many cases interconnected with residential care. Parents in our constituencies are burned out and they want a break for one or two nights. It is not just for the parents; it is for the person with the disability as well. It gives them independence and a change of scene where they learn new life skills. They have an opportunity to get away. I was in Cork at a fantastic respite facility. I met a lovely young man who said it was like a holiday for him. I could just see the benefit for him, but also for families across the country.

To answer the question, as part of my Estimates process, I want to continue to increase funding for respite and residential care. It is not just alternative respite. The overnight side of this is really important. Alternative is really good and I agree with it but the Deputy and I know that plenty of people want to attend a family wedding. That is an overnight event so we need to make sure we are forward planning across the country.