Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. These young people are not faceless and nameless but are people who live in all our communities where they are known by name by neighbours and friends. Their journey through life is difficult enough, without adding further stress or confusion. I welcome what the Minister of State has said with regard to trying to keep provisions in place. The country is in a dark place and we all understand the need for cost effectiveness and value for money. However, we should not extinguish the glimmer of light for these families. The Minister of State may already have given a partial answer to my questions, but can she give a commitment to these families that the services they currently access will be maintained and that when staffing problems occur, provision will be made to ensure these children retain the respite care hours they already have? These people are not looking for anything extra, only to maintain what they have.

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