Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I know he has a huge volume of work on his desk, but will he prioritise this issue? Carers are being taken for granted. When one considers what is involved, they really do need their breaks. They are necessary for them to be able to continue to look after loved ones. This issue has been raised by many constituents, but particularly by service users of Prosper Fingal and St. Michael's House. One constituent was informed by St. Michael's House that although it recognised that more respite care is needed, it does not have the funding to provide that service. At the end of December last year, the HSE advised that a restrictive budget has meant that it has had to reduce respite care services. More beds are needed and they need to be freed up on a more regular basis in order that the service is spread among more families.

Will the Minister outline some of the issues raised at the annual carers' forum, what progress has been made and what plans he will put in place around them? Is there any update on the national carers' strategy? Further, will the Minister speak to his colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, and ask her to look at the respite care grant? It has been reduced, sadly, in recent years, from €1,700 to €1,375. This is scandalous. These people need to be looked after properly. It is to be hoped that the Minister will do this.

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