Respite Care Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2017

Tuesday, 30 May 2017

Questions (408)

John McGuinness

Question:

408. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason the proposed temporary respite house for children with disabilities in counties Carlow and Kilkenny, which was due to open in Bagenalstown in 2017, will not go ahead; the status of this project; the alternative respite services that are available to parents for children with disabilities in counties Carlow and Kilkenny in the immediate to short term in view of recent announcements; his long-term plans for a respite house for children with disabilities in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25344/17]

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.