Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
1466. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when he last met with chief executives and boards of section 38 and 39 organisations; if the issue of access to overnight respite care was raised at those meetings; and if so, his response. [33085/19]
View answer1467. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if persons with intellectual disabilities are expected to take up respite beds outside of their county; and if so, the furthest distance from the residence of the person considered to be appropriate. [33086/19]
View answer1468. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of families in each county waiting for overnight respite care for children and adults with intellectual disabilities; and the average length of waiting times in days, months and years. [33087/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1466 to 1468, inclusive, together.
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 questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
