Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The position is that discussions are ongoing. No one disputes the value of respite services to families under extreme pressure and who have children or older adults with intellectual disabilities. No one disputes the value of the service the Brothers of Charity provides in this area. Solutions must be found. I agree with the Deputy and there is no dispute in this regard. This is the purpose of the discussions. While I understand the level of anger expressed by the Deputy and that the issue has a particular significance in her area, unfortunately, in this area, the HSE is seeking ways to solve the issue.

Reference has been made to a demography fund. An additional €19.5 million is being provided nationally for service throughout the country. Part of the ongoing discussions refer to that fund. It is a national fund but it refers to an additional 24 respite places in the HSE west area. I assure the Deputy that she will be updated with the outcome of those discussions.

See this speech in context