Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There certainly are particular gaps. Looking at the text of the reply, in addition to the data provided in the table, it acknowledges that there has been reduced provision of respite care overnights. It refers to unmet needs and growing demand. It states beds that had been available to provide respite care in some cases have been transferred for use as long-term residential placements. That is the reality. The numbers are falling. There has been a 38% drop in three years in CHO 4. I raise the wider issue. If we look at all of the metrics and all of the waiting lists, particularly for disability services, the waiting times for assessment for children with special needs and the lack of therapy interventions, CHO 4 seems to be an outlier. Does the HSE and the Minister's Department carry out any performance measurement of the way different CHO areas are performing because to me CHO 4 does not seem to be a strong performer? Again, this is borne out by the evidence given in the reply to a parliamentary question.

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