Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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229. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 619 to 621, inclusive, of 11 April 2017, the position regarding the need for respite services for persons with disabilities in each local health area for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23506/17]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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230. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 619 to 621, inclusive, of 11 April 2017, the position regarding the fact that there are no dedicated respite services for children in County Louth; the steps he will take to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23507/17]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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231. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 619 to 621, inclusive, of 11 April 2017, the funding provided in each of the years 2008 to 2016 and to date in 2017 for respite beds for persons with disabilities; the way in which the funding was distributed, by location and organisation; the number and type of services provided at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23508/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 to 231, inclusive, together.

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 questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.