Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join the Deputy in expressing my appreciation to all family carers. Family carers have had to do even more caring during the pandemic. Services were closed for public health reasons and to keep their loved ones safe, but a huge burden comes with that. I share the Deputy's view that we must do more for family carers. If this Dáil lasts four or five more years, God willing, one of the interesting things that whoever is involved in programme for Government talks should consider is the carer's guarantee and some of the commitments carers are seeking in that regard, which I believe should and could be delivered by this Dáil.

Regarding disability services, and respite care fits in that space, I have engaged with a number of disability organisations and service providers over the last number of weeks and my understanding is that they are working with the HSE to have reopening plans for the end of this month. I expect there will be clarity by the end of this month. Regarding children with disabilities specifically, my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, has been working hard to try to put in place a summer programme that is not just the traditional July provision, although that is very important, but to expand it for children who would not usually qualify, and also to examine how it could be a health and education programme. Subject to Cabinet consideration of this tomorrow, I hope the Minister will be in a position to make some announcements then.

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