Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the clarification. The information sought was on Louth County Hospital so I will seek the information the Deputy requires on the county of Louth. I will ensure the Deputy's requests are submitted to the Department and the HSE, which is responsible for funding. The Deputy is concerned about specific issues that arose and I see no reason why we could not get some response in a confidential capacity on how those situations arose and why. I could not comment on them publicly but I will certainly seek the information for the Deputy.

Respite is a cornerstone of public health policy in terms of encouraging people to remain at home, which is where they want to be. It will become and increasing challenge for the Health Service Executive because we are all living longer. It is something we will have to focus on and while the Deputy's focus will have to be on Louth it is something that will resonate with Deputies across the country as these issues arise. I thank the Deputy for raising the issue and I will get him the specific information on County Louth as he requested.

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