Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I acknowledge how essential respite is for people with disabilities and their families. It gives people the break they need and, in many cases, keeps people going. They would not be able to keep going if it were not for respite and I know how important that is to people. The need for increased respite, including in south Kerry and west Cork, is acknowledged by the Government. The need for additional respite across the country is reflected in the HSE service plans for 2021 and 2022 and will be in the new service plan for 2023.

The last few years have seen significantly increased funding for additional respite. This has resulted in the expansion of both centre-based and alternative respite. The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, will meet with community healthcare organisation, CHO, 4 on 9 February. Respite will be on the agenda, in particular the potential for facilities in south Kerry, which I know the Deputy will welcome.

Last year, an additional €9 million was provided for ten respite services for children and adults, as well as for alternative models of respite, including three additional specialist-based services, one for Prader-Willi syndrome and two to provide high-support respite for children and young adults with complex support needs. Funding for a further seven respite centres will provide approximately 10,000 more nights to 245 children and adults in a full year.

As for the plan for 2023, which the Minister of State is working on, she has secured additional funding in the budget that will provide for a range of additional services and individual packages nationally. The details are yet to be worked out; they will be in the service plan for 2023. As I said, the Minister of State will meet with the Deputy's local CHO on 9 February to bring things forward.

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