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

I thank Deputy Thomas Pringle for raising this important issue today. I convey the Minister’s apologies but he is unavoidably absent and would have liked to take this matter himself.

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide them with greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. The Government is acutely aware of the changing needs of people with disabilities and understands that many people require additional or alternative services.

The provision of respite services has come under increased pressure in the past several years. There is an increase in the number of children and adults seeking access to respite. There are also increasing levels of changing needs, due to the increase in the age of people with a disability. The way in which residential respite services are provided has also changed as agencies comply with HIQA, Health Information and Quality Authority, standards and the national policy on congregated settings. In some situations, this means beds are no longer available. For example, vacated beds for residents who go home at weekends or for holidays can no longer be used for respite.

Seaview respite house, located in Mountcharles, Donegal town, was established in 2001. It provides respite for children from the age of six years upwards and adults with an intellectual disability and-or autism on a rotational basis for 100 families in the south-west Donegal catchment area. The maximum occupancy provides for five children or five adults. This valuable facility provides for a much deserved break for families and persons with an intellectual disability and-or autism.

A recent service user satisfaction survey was completed in 2016 which provided very positive feedback regarding the staff and quality of service provided. Respite service provides a range of services, including overnight respite, day respite and a drop-in service. We are all very happy to hear about that positive feedback. The service operates a person-centred model of care and is delivered by a combination of nursing and support staff. The service normally operates on a part-time basis Wednesday through to Sunday evening, as the Deputy noted.

The staff allocation for the unit is one whole-time equivalent clinical nurse manager, 3.6 whole-time equivalent nursing staff and 4.67 whole-time equivalent care assistants. I am advised by the HSE that, for a number of reasons, including staff transfers and retirements, the service is currently experiencing a temporary staff shortage. However, I am pleased to confirm the HSE has advised me that three posts for the unit are currently being recruited via the national recruitment service, which will ensure the service resumes to full capacity. The need for increased respite and residential facilities is acknowledged and the HSE is continuing to work with agencies to explore various ways of responding to this need in line with the budget available. I hope the information that three posts are currently being recruited will be good news for Deputy Pringle.

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