Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Family carers do incredible and compassionate work looking after loved ones. As the Taoiseach is aware, they save the State billions of euro, yet they always feel that they are forgotten, left behind and ignored by the system and the Government. On Monday last, my colleagues, Deputies Carthy, Tully and Cullinane, met with families affected by the lack of disability services in County Monaghan. Dozens of families attended. For years, they have been crying out for a children's overnight respite care service. They are currently dependent on a Cavan-based service which is completely overstretched.

They have heard Ministers promise that this will be resolved but in fact the situation on the ground has gotten much worse. They believe that this again shows an absolute lack of respect and support from Government for carers and the everyday struggles they face. The families in Monaghan are at their wit's end. They are tired, stressed and they feel very forgotten. They need a respite service urgently. Can the Taoiseach tell these families how he will respond to this desperate need?

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