Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response and welcome his comment that he intends to do something about the matter in the weeks ahead. Can he tell me how many beds were closed by HIQA? If the four bedrooms were available, would they meet the shortfall? Will the savings made by HIQA in reducing bed numbers be used to provide a respite care service in the house purchased by the HSE? The Minister of State needs to make this issue a priority, although I know that he also has to deal with priority matters raised by other Deputies concerning respite care services for parents and their children with intellectual disabilities. The people to whom I am talking are coming to end of their lives. As I said, one of them is 75 years old. They have looked after their children and watched them grow into adulthood. The respite care service they received was of some comfort to them.

6 o’clock

The fact that it is no longer available is causing huge alarm and fear. As they come towards the end of their lives, their fear as to who will look after their loved ones cannot be stressed enough. I hope the Minister of State will make this a priority, as he says. I look forward to seeing the outcome of that.

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