Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister of State is aware, we have highlighted the plight of families in Louth who have been looking for respite for their loved ones since this Dáil began. We have organised meetings with the Minister of State and other Ministers and have had numerous representations on behalf of the families. Deputy Adams referred to a perpetual crisis; I would describe it as breaking point. It is wrong that this is allowed to continue. The families themselves could end up seeking residential care since they are under such stress and that would create an even greater cost for the State. There is a proposal to provide respite care to give these families a much-needed break which represents real value-for-money and cannot be ignored any longer. I am dismayed that no funding is available in the short term to fund this facility or indeed any additional respite facilities and services. Following a meeting with the head of social care in Louth HSE and the regional director of St. John of God Drumcar, we were told that HSE capital funding is being used for the ongoing programme of decongregation. Surely, of the overall funding in the Louth HSE, respite care should be a priority. The identified proposal would cost €300,000 each year, representing real value for money. This would purchase 13 weeks of respite care per annum in a six-bed facility with premises and staff suitably trained for adults with challenging behaviour. Up to six persons could receive respite care at any one time and breaks could be for a few days or even a week.

The situation in Louth and the need for resolution has the support of all five Members of this House and, indeed, the single Member of the Seanad from that area. We have met the Minister of State about it. The situation is deteriorating, these families are at their wits' end and we need action rather than talk.

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