Respite Care Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2016

Thursday, 1 December 2016

Questions (58)

Mick Wallace

Question:

58. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health the action he is taking to address the shortage of full-time residential care placements in County Wexford and the issues arising from respite care beds being occupied by service users whose needs would be better served in residential care units; the measures he is taking to provide additional respite care placements in County Wexford; if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 26 October 2016, he plans to allocate specific funding to open the Windrock respite facility in Murrintown, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37773/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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, for any further information that they may be able to provide.