Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his response. Unfortunately, that is not much consolation for the families in south Donegal who had this service previously but which was withdrawn over the past year. The Taoiseach said 164,000 overnight respite services have been provided in Ireland this year. That may be, but none were provided in south Donegal in the past year. That is because the HSE did not got its finger out to deliver it and then it decided to tender the process. I believe that was so it could get out of being blamed and it could pass the blame onto somebody else.

Families must have this service at the weekends because that is when they need it. That is when other family members can have their parents to themselves when they are not busy looking after a disabled person. That is the reality of the situation for first communions and other such family events. A respite service must be provided in order for two parents to attend and the service must be available at weekends. If it is to be a five-night service it should be available from Wednesday night to Monday night and then it would be a perfect service, but that will not happen because it would cost extra money, which is unfortunately what this comes down to. I urge the Taoiseach to put the pressure on. I am sorry that it has come to this level to be raised here in this House to put pressure on to ensure that a seven-day service is provided.

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