Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

Thar ceann an Aire Leanaí, Míchumais agus Comhionannais, an Teachta Foley, is mian liom mo buíochas a ghabhail leis an Teachta as an ábhar tábhachtach seo a ardú agus as deis a thabhairt don Aire – is mé atá ag labhairt ar a son – freagra a thabhairt.

This Government acknowledges that demand for respite services across the country remains high and is working together with the HSE and service providers to increase provision. Increasing the provision of respite services is a key priority area for this Government and for people with disabilities and their families, as the Deputy has outlined.

The HSE advises that a range of respite models for children and adults is provided in Kerry. These include residential respite centres, after school-clubs, in-home support, outreach supports and holiday breaks. These options ensure that respite is provided in the manner which best meets the needs of people with disabilities, their families and carers. It is acknowledged that while there has been significant additional investment in respite, there remains an unmet need. The Deputy will be aware that St. Mary of the Angels campus, operated by St. John of God Services and funded by the HSE, is currently home to just over 50 people. Day services are also provided there. Furthermore, St. Francis Special School, funded by the Department of Education, is located on the campus grounds of St. Mary of the Angels. The Deputy is no doubt aware that in May 2005, services and ownership of St. Mary of the Angels was transferred from the Franciscan Sisters to the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God. Currently St. Mary of the Angels is operated by St. John of God Services Limited.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the HSE and St. John of God Services are working on expanding a working group to explore the future use of the St. Mary of the Angels site. The Department

The Department, along with the HSE, will continue to work with service providers and families to develop additional respite services.

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