James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

These are the most vulnerable people in society and their elderly parents are doing the State a considerable service by looking after them. By closing respite care facilities, we are now taking away the bit of help we can offer. It is penny wise but pound foolish and it must be addressed before the Houses rises for the summer or else these people will be left without respite for the rest of the year. There will be detrimental effects on the health of carers and many of their wards will end up in full-time care as a result.

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