Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister of State. The truth of the matter is that disability services in my constituency are an actual embarrassment. I am embarrassed, as an elected representative, when dealing with parents who are at their absolute wit's end trying to be all things to their children. As well as being parents, they are also expected in some cases to be teachers. They are absolutely expected to be OTs, speech and language therapists and physiotherapists.

There is a clear problem in getting appointments. There is also a clear problem that, when people have no choice, have reached their absolute limits and seek private care for their children to access those services, they are substantially financially impacted, yet the Department has not made any supports available to families in those instances.

There are a number of points in the Minister of State's written response that I will deal with. The interim respite centre for children in County Monaghan is very welcome. I know that interim centre was put in place pending a permanent respite centre. Will the Minister of State give an update on the permanent respite centre? I suggest that, when that permanent centre is opened, the interim centre also be made permanent because the demand is of such a level.

The Minister of State mentioned the Errigal Truagh Special Needs Centre. It is a hugely impressive centre started by a group of volunteers in north Monaghan. They have made applications for capital funding to the Department in order to expand their services and I encourage the Minister of State ensures that happens. Likewise, Steadfast House in Carrickmacross provides crucial supports for people with disabilities. It also has plans to expand its services. Will the Minister of State give assurances that she will ensure these applications are dealt with quickly and positively?

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