Respite Care Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 November 2018

Wednesday, 7 November 2018

Questions (139)

John McGuinness

Question:

139. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health when a place will be made available in Kilkenny city in one of the community homes for a long-term client of an organisation (details supplied); if he or she will be accommodated at a facility; the reason the family has not received respite services for over 12 months; the Minister's plans to provide respite services in counties Kilkenny and Carlow for the future and in the short-term; his further plans to provide one-to-one services for clients such as persons who have medical, psychological and mobility problems and have been in care for most of their lives; his views on whether persons fitting this profile should be given priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46110/18]

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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.