Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Both the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, and the HSE acknowledge the need for more services to provide much-needed respite to service users and their families. I take on board the points the Deputy has made. Parents are very concerned and this is very difficult for them after two very difficult years. I will certainly speak to the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, to see if it can be expedited in any way.

While I acknowledge the immediate issue in CHO 6 is causing distress to those families affected, I reiterate that this is a temporary measure to accommodate an emergency residential situation. I acknowledge and welcome the fact the HSE is committed to supporting the service users affected by this temporary closure as a matter of priority.

One of the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte’s key priorities is building capacity in disability services, particularly in respite, in a safe and equitable manner into the future so those who care for their loved ones are provided with appropriate support to continue doing so, no matter where they live in the country. Last year saw a €5 million commitment to build capacity for an extra 10,400 bed nights for people with disabilities. In 2022, €9 million has been committed to establish three additional specialist centre-based services to provide 4,032 nights to 90 children, one to be Prader-Willi appropriate and the other two to provide high-support respite for children and young adults with complex support needs. In addition, seven further respite services will provide 9,408 nights to 245 children and adults in a full year.

I take on board the Deputy’s point that it is about the short-term issue for the families who used to receive respite in Wyattville, notwithstanding the difficult situation they were in. I will certainly bring his concerns to the attention of the Minister of State.

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