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

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue regarding the Government's ongoing priority to safeguard vulnerable persons in the care of the health service.

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 more than 182,500 overnight and 42,500 day respite sessions throughout the country.

I am informed by the HSE that, in the context of respite services in Cork and Kerry, it is recognised that the expansion of respite services for people with disabilities is essential to support families to continue to care for their family member with a disability, and in particular those with significant disabilities. In Cork, respite services are provided by COPE, the Brothers of Charity, CoAction, St. Joseph’s Foundation and Enable Ireland. This year community healthcare organisation, CHO, 4 has been able to develop a respite house in west Cork from within existing resources. This house will open on a phased basis from next week and will be open to referrals for respite across County Cork. A number of alternative respite services have been very successful in Cork, with more than 800 children and adults benefiting.

In Kerry, the HSE funds adult respite services for people with intellectual disabilities, which are provided by Kerry Parents and Friends Association and St. John of God services. Kerry Parents and Friends opened the Kilmorna house on a phased basis from the end of March 2018 and has been operating at full capacity since the beginning of July 2018, giving 1,460 bed nights per year. This year, HSE CHO 4 has provided in excess of 17,000 respite nights and 2,000 respite day services to people with a disability. More than 900 people with a disability have accessed respite services across CHO 4.

We are acutely aware that families need support to care for their loved ones at home and, therefore, the Government is committed to providing a range of accessible respite care supports for people with a disability and their families. We will give families more choices as we develop respite services.

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