Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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13. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to provide respite for families of children with life-limiting conditions in County Donegal as existing home care help does not facilitate the respite needs for those families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37897/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Palliative Care For Children with Life-Limiting Conditions in Ireland - A National Policy, was published by my Department in March 2010.

A programme of care for children with life-limiting conditions has been established including the appointment of a Paediatric Consultant with a Special Interest in Palliative Care, based in Crumlin. As well as supporting other paediatricians, the Consultant also provides clinical support and advice to maternity hospitals and neonatologists. The programme also included the appointment of eight Children’s Outreach Nurses whose role is to ensure that children being cared for at home by their families have access to co-ordinated and supportive services. The nurses liaise closely with statutory and voluntary service providers including local GPs, Public Health Nurses, Disability Services, the Jack and Jill Foundation and LauraLynn. A further two Children's Outreach Nurses are being recruited under the Programme, one in Letterkenny and the other to the Children's Hospital Group.

The Letterkenny post will be advertised in the coming weeks and will be entitled Clinical Nurse Co-ordinator for Children with Life-limiting Conditions. This nurse will work closely with the existing Paediatric Liaison Nurse based in Donegal and will provide a service to children and families in Donegal as well as acting as an informed resource for colleagues in Sligo.

The HSE is currently considering how both in-home and in-patient respite services might be made more available for children in Donegal and surrounding areas. All possibilities will be considered, including through cross-border co-operation or collaboration with relevant voluntary groups.