Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this extremely important issue and for giving me the opportunity to outline the position on services for people with disabilities who need respite supports. I am taking this issue on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, who sends his apologies for not being present.

The Government's ongoing priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service and it 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 provision of respite services has come under additional pressure in the past number of years. An increasing number of children and adults are now seeking access to respite and the changing needs of people with a disability are also having an impact, as they, along with the rest of the population, live longer lives.

The HSE acknowledges the need for additional respite for adults with intellectual disabilities in County Louth for adults and children with a disability and their families. I agree with the Deputy that one size does not fit all and it is important to outline the respite that is currently provided at the following locations in County Louth. Respite for adults with a physical disability is provided by the Irish Wheelchair Association at Sruthan House, Dundalk, which is a three bedroom house that operates six nights per week in a community setting social model providing holiday respite. Respite for adults with intellectual disabilities is provided by Moorehall Healthcare in a three bedroom house that operates seven nights per week in a community setting social model, providing holiday respite in Ardee, County Louth, with approximately 80 adults availing of this service. Respite for adults with intellectual disabilities is also provided by St. John of God's north east service in a seven bed house on the campus at St. Mary's, Drumcar, to which the Deputy referred. The house operates seven nights per week in a medical nurse-led model, with approximately 42 adults availing of this service. Respite for children with intellectual disabilities is provided by St. John of God's north east service in a seven bed house on the campus at St. Mary's, Drumcar. The house operates seven nights per week in a medical nurse-led model, with approximately nine children availing of this service. Respite for children with intellectual disabilities is also provided by RehabCare at the Maria Goretti Centre, Lordship, County Louth in a four bedroom house. This house operates six nights per week, with approximately 80 families availing of this service.

Again, I agree there needs to be absolute consultation with individuals and their family members should circumstances change. If there are particular cases the Deputy wants to pass on to me, I can certainly bring them to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy McGrath. A Programme for a Partnership Government recognises the need for respite services to be developed further and the Minister of State with responsibility for disability has acknowledged this. These matters will remain on the agenda of the Minister of State in the context of budgetary provision in the coming years.

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