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

I thank Deputies Declan Breathnach and Fergus O'Dowd for repeatedly raising this issue. I am very much aware of the importance of access to planned respite which ensures that people with disabilities receive opportunities to socialise separately. It facilitates families having a break from caring because it is very difficult. Respite services may vary according to the excess needs of the individuals and their carer. The model of respite is changing and although some require overnight respite, others prefer to benefit from day respite. The number of overnight respite places has been reducing as persons with disabilities seek alternative models such as day respite or extended day care. We will also look at those areas. For example, 42,552 day respite services were provided in 2017. Personally, and throughout my political career, I have always advocated for the rights of people with disabilities. I understand and acknowledge the value and importance of respite care for people with disabilities and their families. I hope this funding will enable people to get a well-deserved break and to maintain their own health and well-being.

As I said earlier, I will keep a very close eye on how the additional funding is put to work. I will require the HSE to give the utmost priority to putting these new facilities and services in place without delay because it is a very important part of our disability services. We put €1.763 billion into the social care plan in 2017 and we have to ensure it goes to people with disabilities and their families and carers. That is where our priority should be. The 2017 plan deals with 5,720 people with a disability who avail of day-based respite services. We have another 2,500 who avail of respite services, such as holiday respite or occasional respite and we also have other respite services. We have 128 new emergency residential places, which is a priority issue for me.

I thank my colleagues for their support. We will fight on and develop the services but above all the services will operate in the interests of the person with the disability.

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