Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government includes a commitment to make provision for carers. Less than a month ago, I raised in the House the crisis unfolding in Cavan-Monaghan where respite care services for parents are at breaking point. Respite care is an invaluable facility that should be available for parents of children who have an intellectual disability. Such is the frustration in Cavan-Monaghan that parents have started an action group and have called a public meeting in Cootehill tonight, near the Holy Family school attended by many of these children. Last week, when a question on this matter was put to the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Jim Daly, he told the Dáil the crisis had been fixed, there was nothing to see and we should move on. However, the truth is that 100 families in Cavan-Monaghan have no respite care for their children. Will the Taoiseach give a commitment to have the causes of the crisis in Cavan-Monaghan investigated? Will he also ensure that carers and respite hours are provided for these exasperated parents?

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