Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct. Every CHO will receive one new respite house or facility this year. For some that will involve capital works to upgrade existing facilities, while for others it will involve the procurement, purchase or even construction of a new respite care centre. That is why there are tender processes in some CHOs. So far, two houses have opened in Kerry and north County Dublin as well as additional respite capacity in Athlone. There are commercial sensitivities regarding procurement for the remaining houses and the signing of contracts. The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, and I will be in a position to update the House in the coming weeks as to their location and their target date for opening.

I agree with the Deputy that one size does not fit all. For some families, it would be a night's break involving a respite care centre where the loved one can go for a night and get a break too. For others, it will be the Saturday club, the evening club, the summer camp or in-home respite. In addition to every CHO getting one new facility, plus three more for the greater Dublin region, we will have €2 million for these new flexible respite options. As we are getting monthly reports tracking this issue, I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, and the HSE to keep the Deputy informed. I believe this will make a substantial difference this year.

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