Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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1117. To ask the Minister for Health if he will initiate an inquiry into the provision of respite care at St. John of God North East Services, Saint Mary's, Drumcar. [24840/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.

I have made enquiries with the HSE with regard to respite services at St. John of God North East Services, St. Mary's Drumcar . I am informed that St John of God North East Services and the HSE Louth Disability Service have actively worked in partnership to ensure that the respite services returns to its full provision as soon as possible. I am pleased to note that respite for children has recommenced in SJOG from 9th September.

Respite beds were previously provided by the SJOG Service in crisis situations however this is no longer possible due to HIQA requirements and the policy of decongregation. However the HSE and SJOG continue to work closely to examine ways in which respite can be delivered in a responsive manner and to work on alternative models of respite such as the Mo Shaol initiative which was piloted with Genio funding and is now delivered by the HSE.

The HSE has given a funding commitment to bring the Maria Goretti respite centre to full capacity. I welcome this very positive development and note that Louth Disability Services are working with the service provider, RehabCare, to get the centre to full capacity as soon as possible.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy, for any further information that they may be able to provide.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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1118. To ask the Minister for Health if he will meet the Save Our Services executive of Lifford, Ramelton and St. Joseph's community hospitals to discuss the future of long-term residential care services at the facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24845/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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These are operational matters that fall in the first instance to the Health Service Executive rather than the Department of Health. I have asked the HSE to make contact with this Group to make arrangements for a direct meeting on the issues raised.