Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2019
116. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to allow the summer camp at a service (details supplied) to take place in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27222/19]
View answerThe 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.
HSE South East Community Healthcare (SECH) provides Children’s Respite Services in two locations in South Tipperary including St. Rita’s Respite Services, Brothers of Charity.
In addition, SECH provides outreach and home based respite to children with challenges accessing centre based respite for a number of reasons including those confined to home for complex medical reasons or difficulty socialising safely with other children as a result of emerging diagnosis and responsive behaviours.
The HSE is fully committed to maintaining the same level of service this year as in 2018.
The additional funding provided last year will continue in 2019 and in particular the €2m allocation to be spent on alternative respite services remains a high priority for the HSE. SECH acknowledges the quality service provided by St. Rita’s and will ensure that the necessary resources required for the Summer Respite Programme in St. Rita’s will continue to be provided to the Brothers of Charity in 2019.
