James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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565. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that respite beds for persons with intellectual disabilities in the system and notably in Enniscorthy are currently being used as full-time institutional beds and thus reducing the capacity for respite to families in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37367/16]

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.

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.