Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We all have cases we could outline to the Ministers of State. The reality is that many families feel burnt out. It was timely that there was a pre-budget submission today from the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland. Its submission stated it was looking for an increase in the annual statutory investment in a centre for people with MS, and right across the board. There is common agreement that we are not doing enough. The question we need to ask is: why we are not doing enough? What is causing the blockages? We have an opportunity coming up with the next budget, but families are saying they are burnt out. A survey referenced in the MS Ireland submission indicates 64% are emotionally drained, 32% experienced depression and 22% have lost a job due to caregiving responsibilities. That is not acceptable in the Ireland we live in. We need to do more.

What can we do? People say to me that, for them, respite is lifesaving and life-changing. If we really believe that is the case, why are we not doing more? If it is a case of needing support, there is support right across this House for the roll-out of services. Why are we not doing enough?

I recall when the closure of the Cuisle centre in County Roscommon came about. Many centres such as that have closed over the years. Again, there was cross-party support for it but the closure went ahead. It is now a centre for refugees. We need to do more for these families. It is not acceptable for the Minister of State to talk of the challenges we are facing. We want to hear what we are actually going to do. We need to start delivering for these families.

The State is estimated to have saved €20 billion on an annual basis due to the 500,000 family carers who provide unpaid care each day to those living with disability or illness. We need to do more.

See this speech in context