Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Not only do I see the need, I am determined we address it. We will provide 19,000 extra respite care nights this year. That is a large increase and has been welcomed by carers. However, they want to see the houses open and so do I. These houses will start to come on stream. We hope to be able to announce locations and target opening dates for all these houses in the coming weeks. Several of them have opened already which is important.

I outlined what we are doing with €8 million of the €10 million allocation. The other €2 million will be used for alternative solutions, including home respite, Saturday and evening clubs. Often a carer wants a break for a few hours to do the shopping or have a much-needed rest. We are also looking at family and child-centred respite options as well as summer camps. An extra 250 people will benefit from this type of respite break in 2018. We all need a break, and most importantly carers need a break from the incredible work they do.

We will be introducing legislation shortly, which I am sure will receive cross-party support, to provide free GP care for all carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carer's benefit.

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