Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
437. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if new initiatives have been provided with respect to respite care in the context of Covid-19 in view of the loss of school time which provided a type of respite for full-time carers of children with disabilities; if he has considered initiatives with the Minister for Education and Skills; if so, the initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12990/20]
View answerIn line with Public Health advice, individual respite, except in emergency cases, has ceased on a temporary basis. Some in-house support is being provided based on priority need.
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.
Following extensive engagement between my Department, the Department of Education & Skills and the HSE a cross sectoral summer programme for children with complex needs and children in DEIS schools was announced on 12th June.
The Summer Provision 2020 will involve a number of strands with a range of options available for families and schools. These will include;
- A school based or home based programme provided by teachers and Special Needs Assistants, similar to the normal Department of Education and Skills July Provision Programme but with wider eligibility;
- A summer camp type programme for DEIS schools;
- And a HSE led, activity based respite / summer camp programme for prioritised children with complex needs.
The Department of Education and Skills have invited schools to express their interest in participating in the various programmes. Depending on the availability of school premises and Special Needs Assistants, the HSE and its children’s disability service providers will aim to provide a “summer camp” type programme in each community healthcare network.
Under this programme it is proposed that
- Respite sessions for a child will be limited to 3 hours;
- Each centre will accommodate a maximum of 16 children at any time;
- Each classroom will accommodate a maximum of 4 children at any time;
- Drop off and collection of children would be staggered over a 30-minute period.
It is intended that staff in children’s disability services will provide direction and support for Special Needs Assistants to deliver the programme. The input of these teams will ensure that the activities are tailored to the needs of the children.
The ultimate goals of the Summer Camp Programme are to:
- Provide short respite breaks for families;
- Facilitate children with complex needs to begin the transition from their homes to re-engaging with their communities and schools;
- Provide safe opportunities for children with complex needs to engage with their peers.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
