Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I know the Minister of State a long time and I stated earlier that he has a good heart on this issue, but I ask him to leave aside his script. The Minister of State has not answered the question. My party has put forward a proposal, which is with the HSE, for a dedicated respite service for citizens in County Louth and east Meath. That is what we asked the Minister of State to make a statement on.

In the previous budget, we were told that funding for badly needed respite services was a budget priority. We have not even been told that on this occasion.

The reality is that when an emergency respite care facility has to be provided for one person all the scheduled respite services for others are cancelled. As I have stated previously, what I found in dealing with these family members is the issue of stress. The stress upon parents and carers, and in some cases grandparents, is awful to behold.

There is an opportunity to sort this out. My party has brought forward practical propositions. There are people prepared to provide this service.

I come back to what my credo is about, and I am sure the Minister of State will agree.

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