Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy McGrath has raised several issues similar to these in the past and I know he has a deep and personal interest in this area. The children did not cause this problem, nor did their parents. The Government will focus on this area as a priority and when the analysis of the comprehensive spending review is completed, we will know the truth of the scale of the priority that can be accorded to any of these sectors. Obviously, this is one that is very sensitive and personal to a great number of people.

I do not have the detail of the number on waiting lists for respite care to which Deputy McGrath referred but that is not just a statistic. Such care goes on every day, night, week and month and that places very considerable emotional and social pressure upon parents who did not cause this problem. I agree with the Deputy 100% in that regard.

The work being done by the Minister for Education and Skills for those with special needs and by the Minister for Health and Children in respect of respite care and waiting lists, and that entire area, is also being examined and referred to by the Ministry for children and youth affairs. These matters are all intertwined and interdependent. I do not have the details of the respite lists the Deputy mentioned but these matters are a priority.

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