Respite Care Services Availability

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Questions (909)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

909. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his plans to undertake an audit of respite services to identify gaps in existing service levels and to assess current and future need for these services; his plans to provide increased access to planned respite breaks for dependents of full time carers; his plans for development of flexible in home respite services for carers and dependents with no access to residential respite services; his plans to provide additional emergency respite beds when carers are unable to carry out their duties on a short time basis, for example when a carer takes ill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33452/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The vision for the Health Service Executive's Disability Service Programme is to contribute to the realisation of a society where people with disabilities are supported, as far as possible, to participate to their full potential in economic and social life, and have access to a range of quality personal social supports and services including respite care to enhance their quality of life.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.