Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Connolly and the Independent Group for bringing forward this motion on respite care services. Levels of respite services were seriously deficient across the country even before Covid-19. This has been an ongoing and long-term problem. The Minister of State, Deputy Anne Rabbitte, was in my constituency recently at a meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon. We met with a group of parents of adult children with intellectual disabilities and other disabilities who attend the St. Ciaran's centre. Many of those mothers, many of whom are getting on in life, related their experiences that morning in Carrick-on-Shannon. Some of them have had no respite for the past seven or eight years. Some of them might get one night maybe three times a year. That issue really must be dealt with everywhere in the country. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, as she gave a commitment that morning to ensure that a respite house and residential facility would be built in Carrick-on-Shannon, and planning permission will, hopefully, be in before Christmas for that.

Cuanmahon in Sligo, which at present is a residential service being decongregated, is two large bungalows, kitted out and HIQA approved. It will be used, hopefully from Christmas onwards, for respite services. That is progress being made but it is progress coming from a very low level. That is the issue we have. At the moment for the vast majority of people in County Leitrim or County Sligo, there really is only the one place, at Tullaghan, which is a private company that provides respite service. It is completely overwhelmed and cannot cope with the number seeking respite services. That is the situation everywhere in the country.

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