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Respite Care Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Questions (389)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Question:

389. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of 12 dedicated respite houses around the State announced on 12 December 2017; the specific locations of each; the number of persons who can be accommodated in each; the estimated number of respite nights each individual house will provide in a full calendar year; the capital and acquisition costs of each; the estimated annual running costs of each; the number of wholetime equivalent staff to be employed in each; if each house is now operational; and if not, when each will commence providing services, in tabular form. [7019/18]

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Written answers

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.

The full details of the services to be provided with the additional €10 million for respite care will be contained in the HSE’s detailed operational plan. This initiative will provide for nine new dedicated houses for respite in each Community Health Area, plus an additional three houses in the greater Dublin area to respond to the very high demand for respite from this area. These additional twelve respite houses will provide 19,000 extra respite nights to the people living in those areas, on a yearly basis. In addition, a further €2 million extra funding will be used for innovative respite solutions, such as Home Sharing and extended day services, to provide assistance where people need it most.

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.

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