Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 6

Written Answers. - Respite Care.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

80 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will take immediate steps to provide sufficient and adequate respite care for people with disabilities in view of the frustration of parents and the services providers, coping with huge demand and insufficient places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11467/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Respite care is provided in a number of ways. In some cases it is provided in a residential setting. It is also provided by host families through the various share a break schemes. The home support services can also provide shorter respite breaks for carers. These services enable agencies and health boards to respond to each family's needs in a flexible manner and with a package of care which is designed in consultation with the carers.

This year additional revenue funding of £35 million, with an annual cost of £45 million, has been allocated towards the development of new residential, respite and day facilities for persons with disabilities.

In relation to services to persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism, additional capital funding of £30 million has also been made available this year, as part of an £80 million investment programme over the next three years to support these services. It is anticipated that the additional capital and revenue funding will enable a further 185 new respite places to be provided this year. This is in addition to the 80 respite places which were put in place in 1999. The Government is committed to meeting the identified needs of persons with an intellectual disability within a defined timeframe of three years starting with this major acceleration of investment this year.

In relation to services to persons with physical and sensory disabilities almost 100 new respite places have been put in place over the past three years. Of the funding provided this year, £3 million, rising to £6 million in the year 2001, has been targeted at home support services.

The additional funding provided this year to services to persons with disabilities brings the total revenue and capital funding provided by this Government to date to £188.7 million, with a full year cost in 2001 of £202.7 million.