Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With respect, the Government is not looking after the child and the family. Julie Anne went on national radio and said that for 16 years, she has not had one night of overnight respite. She puts her pain level between eight and nine and that of her son between seven and eight. She has been failed over and over again. How can the Tánaiste say the Government is looking after the child and the family in that scenario? How does he say that to the people who took to the streets in Wexford? Their service was withdrawn with little notice. There will be no respite in that area for three months. What does the Tánaiste tell the mother who comes to me in Donegal where Drumboe Respite House has not been available to her two children with special needs for the past three years?

I have raised this matter on the floor of the House many times, including two years ago. I was told at that point that it was in hand and would be reopened. It was going to be reopened last year. Earlier last month I was told it will be the end of the year before it will be reopened. These children are being failed over and over again. That is down to a failure to plan and to ensure the workforce, capacity and facilities are in place. With respect, these are some of the most vulnerable children and adults in the State. What will the Government do to ensure the ten empty beds in Cork are reopened, the 12 empty beds in Wexford are reopened and that the centre in Donegal provides respite for children and adults there?

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