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

I thank Deputy Michael McGrath for raising this issue of residential places in disability services in Cork. I take it on board and we recently debated it in the Dáil ourselves. This 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 which will empower them to live independent lives. As part of its ongoing service provision, this year the HSE will provide over 8,300 residential places to families in need across the country. Residential places make up over two thirds of the disability budget. That is a figure that people often do not know. Our policy is for people with disabilities to be supported to achieve their full potential so that, where possible, they can live on an everyday basis among family and friends in the community. All residential placements for adults with disabilities are considered following detailed clinical assessments by HSE services. Access to places for those with the most complex needs are allocated on a priority basis and the availability of appropriate services.

A significant underlying challenge relates to the unmet need for residential and respite care that arises from the absence of investment during the economic downturn. The HSE national database figures indicate an annual requirement of over 400 residential places per year. As a result, the service is experiencing a high annual demand for emergency residential places to respond to the most urgent cases. In 2018, the HSE national service plan provides for support for 385 persons through 130 emergency places, 135 in-home supports and 120 in-home respite supports. I am informed by the HSE that there are currently 1,093 placements being provided in the Cork-Kerry community healthcare area. The demand for residential places is in excess of places available. I accept questions and will respond accordingly.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

A residential placement committee made up of all service providers has been established who work collaboratively, and in partnership, to respond to the growing need of service users and their families. This committee is planning for the future, while also reviewing existing services and the varying level of need. Families need support to care for their loved ones at home and the Government is committed to providing a range of accessible respite care supports for people with a disability and their families. There is an absolute need for increased respite care and in 2018 an additional €10 million specifically to enhance respite care was provided. In April of this year, this extra funding enabled the opening of an additional service in Listowel, County Kerry. Up to the end of last month, an additional 108 respite nights were provided to 15 persons. Additional respite is planned towards the end of the year in west Cork, which will facilitate referrals from across County Cork. In the meantime, a range of alternative respite options will begin in the coming weeks across County Cork.

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