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

The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, and I are good friends at this stage given our ongoing engagement and discussion on people with disabilities. Our RehabCare service in Cavan-Monaghan is no different to the wonderful services the Minister of State will have seen and it includes the services at the Holy Family School and in Analee View respite centre in Cootehill. There is a broad range of facilities, including the centre in Bailieborough where there is a RehabCare centre. There is also one in Cavan. Cavan-Monaghan might have one of the largest service user bases in the country. Again, we see people with disabilities being sidelined and not being viewed as a priority. I am not talking about the Minister of State in that regard as I know he has a deep understanding of and appreciation for people with disabilities. He knows the importance of respite and rehabilitation care, whether provided in day service or residential settings. These are services without which families cannot function. Families depend on them. Most families are providing a 24/7 service themselves for 12 months a year. Respite care, day services and residential care are very important, including for adults with disabilities. It was most unfortunate to see last week how far staff and management were pushed in having to write to families to tell them services were on the verge of collapse. I hope the Minister of State has come to the Chamber today with positive news from which families can take some comfort.

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