Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept everything that Deputy Brendan Smith has said. I acknowledge that it is not just his right to raise this issue but his duty as a public representative. Our duty as a collective is to be there to be the voice of these families who do not have the time for the kind of advocacy they wish to do because they are caring full time. Respite is a basic fundamental service that any society should be in a position to provide, never mind a modern, progressive society such as we in Ireland thankfully are. The challenge is to continue to keep that focus on that vulnerable cohort and to ensure that we provide the necessary supports to families who need that respite. While we provide 182,000 respite nights a year, that is all well and good and it is to be acknowledged - I do not think anybody disputes how welcome it is - it clearly it is not enough because of the growing demand across both child and adult services, especially adult, with children moving into them. I will take what the Deputy said back. I welcome the airing that he has given to this issue. I, as a public representative, share his concern and wish to see the service greatly enhanced by all of us working together for the year ahead. I will take on board everything the Deputy has said and be sure to add my voice to that. I will speak with the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, to continue with the development of this service and its provision for those who need it.

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