Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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97. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of respite services for persons with disabilities and their families in County Kerry; if services will be restored to pre-Covid-19 levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42432/20]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Since March this year, the presence and threat of Covid-19 in Ireland has resulted in significant challenges for service providers, families and most importantly, people with disabilities. 

Services such as respite were either suspended or delivered in alternative ways following public health guidance.  

Since July, short-stay residential and emergency/residential respite have begun to re-open with further services due to resume between now and February.

All disability services must follow public health guidance in this area, including the prevention and management of Covid related infection.  

The HSE is acutely aware that the Covid pandemic and associated reduction and cancellation of services has resulted in significant stress for families and individuals with disabilities across the country including Cork Kerry Community Healthcare.

HSE continue to engage with service providers to ensure that the maximum possible service level is resumed and maintained, based on prioritising those with the greatest needs.

I am aware that Deputy Griffin recently enquired about the Abhaile Respite Service in Listowel, run by St John of God Services. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this service will revert to respite from next Monday, 14th December 2020. 

HSE Disability Services have provided me with a comprehensive update on respite services across their CHO area, which I will arrange to be forwarded on to the Deputy today. 

The Programme for Government is committed to providing additional respite places, throughout the country, for adults and children with a disability.

Funding is being made available in 2021 to support additional respite services for people with a disability and their families. This includes the developing of nine additional respite houses around the country.