Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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251. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the provision of overnight respite for children with special needs in counties Carlow and Kilkenny through the purchase of suitable property (details supplied); the position regarding the provision of interim alternative respite solutions for children with special needs in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52615/17]

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.