Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

A date needs to be set for the referendums on water and housing. The Government is running out of time.

In the context of a constitutional amendment on the rights of people with disabilities, I raise a specific issue relating to respite services in community healthcare organisation, CHO, 9, which covers north Dublin. Yesterday, I attended a meeting organised by the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, on day services for school leavers in my constituency. One of the issues that came up at the meeting, which is raised with me all the time, concerns the level of respite services available on the northside of Dublin. As the Taoiseach knows, respite services are critical supports for people with disabilities and their families. They are absolutely vital. Data given to me by the HSE show the level of respite services in CHO 9 is approximately 25% less than in other CHO areas, including CHOs 6 and 7. A small increase in funding for respite services in CHO 9, covering Dublin's northside, would fix this. Will the Government provide the funding that is needed to ensure people with disabilities and their families on the northside of Dublin have access to the same level of respite services as are available in other areas?

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