Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíoch leis an Aire as ucht teacht isteach sa Seanad inniu chun an t-ábhar tábhachtach seo a phlé. I and my colleague, Councillor Damien O'Reilly, have been contacted by constituents in Dunboyne, County Meath, who have a family member who regularly avails of respite services. This gives the family respite from their duties of constant care and attention. The family recently received a letter from the Health Service Executive prescribing charges of €25 per day for the respite service in certain circumstances. This is the first the family has heard of this charge. While I understand a system of charges has been in place for some time, I wonder if it is being enforced. The only people who will be affected by the charge are families who are in a difficult position and must carry a significant burden because a family member is badly in need of respite services. This burden is also one of love. While they love their family member, the duty of care they have clearly make it difficult for them at times. It appears such families will be required to pay a significant amount of money that many of them do not have for a respite service. Will the Minister of State outline the position regarding charges for respite services?