Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and giving me the opportunity to outline the position on services for people with disabilities who need respite care support in County Kerry. I know that he has been a long-time, strong campaigner for people with disabilities.

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. I am acutely aware of the changing needs of people with disabilities and understand many people require additional or alternative services. The provision of respite care services has come under increased pressure in the past couple of years. There is an increase in the number of children and adults seeking access to respite care, while there are increasing levels of changing needs owing to an increase in the age of people with a disability, as noted by the Deputy in the two cases he mentioned.

The way in which residential respite care services are provided has also changed as agencies comply with HIQA standards and the national policy on congregated settings. This affects the capacity of services in County Kerry to respond to the growing need for respite care. In some instances this means that beds are no longer available. For example, vacated beds for residents who go home at weekends or for holidays can no longer be used to provide respite care. This is a major problem. Currently, there are 12 beds available in County Kerry to provide respite care services for adults with an intellectual disability. These beds are provided by St. John of God and the Kerry Parents and Friends Association. On average, 426 nights of respite care are provided in County Kerry each month for children and adults with an intellectual disability or autism. A further 52 days, on average, of day respite care are also provided each month. The HSE acknowledges the current level of provision does not adequately meet the identified needs in the area. I totally accept that reality, but we have to do something about it.

The expansion of respite care services for people with disabilities is recognised as being essential to enable families to continue to care for individuals with disabilities and, in particular, those with significant disabilities. The HSE supported the Kerry Parents and Friends Association in 2016 by providing capital funding to purchase a house in Listowel to be used as a respite care facility. Unfortunately, no revenue funding is currently available to progress the opening of the facility. By the way, I do not accept this. The Kerry Parents and Friends Association recently reported that, owing to HIQA compliance requirements, it has had to reduce the number of respite beds available, leading to a decrease in respite care services for some. The need for increased respite care and residential facilities in County Kerry is acknowledged. The HSE continues to work with agencies to explore various ways of responding to meet this need in line with the budget available. Where a residential service is not available, the HSE endeavours to work with families and service providers to increase the support available through the provision of home support hours and day services. Of course, we have to act on and do something about this matter. I will make it a priority issue in the coming weeks.

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