Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator again. I certainly will speak to the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, regarding the concerns he has raised. I emphasise again the importance of respite services. My family has used respite services in the past for my parents. It is very important that we reach out to families because they are doing an extraordinary amount of work, much of which cannot be valued in monetary terms. It is important that we allow families have that respite, even an overnight stay. The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, understands that need and the difficulties being experienced. He continues to appeal for more funding, which in many ways will open up other services within communities. In terms of the issue the Senator raised, if somebody is waiting two and a half years for the opportunity to have respite, that is far too long. I will relay that message to the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, who may revert to the Senator on it.