Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Burke for raising these very important issues. I take on board the views he has raised. In regard to the HIQA issues, we all want to improve standards for all services for people with disabilities. We also need some flexibility.

I take on board the Senator's point on demographics and the age profile of parents. It is a fact of life that because young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities live longer than they did 25 years ago we have to plan for that. I will explore the idea of getting a third level institution or some other organisation, such as a group within the disability sector, to conduct research.

I have been in this job for 12 months. My plan was to try to ensure that we have services from the cradle to the grave for families. We have done a lot of work at first and second level, and now we have to put out the fires for the cohort aged 18 years and older. Senior citizens acting as carers is a major issue.

I have travelled around the country and have heard what the Senator has said. I was in Cavan yesterday. I met two families, one of whom had 18.5 hours of respite care a week, which I could not believe because it is the first time I have heard of such a high level of respite care. Another woman only receives six hours a month of respite care. There are inconsistencies, problems and a lack of co-ordination in the system.

We need to determine the facts in order to plan for services. I will bring all of the points discussed back to the HSE. I spoke to a representative as recently as last week about pushing the issue of respite. In terms of the social care disability plan for the next two or three years, we must have accurate information so that we can plan for the services.