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

I thank Deputies Breathnach and O'Dowd for lobbying me for many months on this important issue. I also thank the Deputies for giving me the opportunity to outline the position regarding the provision of respite services in County Louth. Let me make it clear at the outset that the Government's ongoing priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service.

We are committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities that will empower them to live independent lives. In recent months, I have spoken to many people with disabilities and their families and carers. The same point has been raised again and again on the absolutely urgent need for increased respite care throughout the country. I accept it as a valid argument and that is why I appeared on "Prime Time" last week to face the music and deal with the issue. I have made it very clear to my colleagues in government and after much discussion, my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris, and I have secured an additional €10 million for the HSE, specifically to enhance respite care in the disability sector. We agreed that extra €10 million at Cabinet.

Many people with disabilities are being cared for by very elderly parents who are finding it very hard to cope. Other carers simply do not have the hours in the day to look after other members of their families and, just as importantly, their own health and well-being. The full details of the services to be provided with the additional €10 million will be contained in the HSE’s detailed operational plan. I have made it clear that this money must be ring-fenced for respite services within the disability sector and that it must be targeted at those who are most in need. I am pleased to inform the House that €8 million will be provided for nine new dedicated houses for respite in each community health area, plus an additional three houses in the greater Dublin area to respond to the very high demand for respite in this area. These additional 12 respite houses will provide approximately 19,000 respite nights yearly to the people living in those areas. In addition, a further €2 million extra funding will be used for innovative respite solutions, such as home sharing and extended day services, to provide assistance where people need it most. I will be keeping a very close eye on how this additional funding is put to work and I will be requiring the HSE to give the utmost priority to putting these new facilities and services in place without delay.

I accept that the provision of respite services has come under additional pressure in the past number of years. More 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. A Programme for a Partnership Government recognises the need for respite services to be developed further and I am fully committed to ensuring this happens.

In the context of respite services in County Louth, discussions are ongoing at CHO area 8 level regarding the emerging need for additional respite services and the options to be developed to meet these needs. The HSE continues to work with agencies to explore various ways of responding to this need in line with the budget available. The additional funding I have announced today will include the development of respite services in CHO area 8, including County Louth. The officials in CHO area 8 are familiar with the TaIbot Bower House proposal for respite services. Scoping out the most efficient way of commissioning respite services with this new money will be an immediate priority for the HSE to ensure services are brought on stream without delay. The Deputies will appreciate that any proposals can only be considered within the funding available to the HSE and must adhere to a rigorous procurement process.

I warmly welcome the extra €10 million for respite services because it is urgently required.

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