Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:20 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health if he will upgrade all respite centres in South Tipperary; if he will provide for additional places in South Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Respite Centres.
The South-Eastern Health Board have informed me that they have not experienced any problems in meeting the demand for respite care for the elderly in South Tipperary. Such care is provided at St. Patrick's Geriatric Hospital, Cashel, usually during the summer months when carers wish to take holidays.
Respite care for people with mental handicap is provided by a number of service providers within the region.
Additional respite care facilities for people with mental handicap were provided in the South-Eastern Health Board area, and in particular in South Tipperary, as part of the developments in services for people with mental handicap which were put in place in 1992.
As a result of the additional funding which has been provided in 1993, services for people with mental handicap, including respite care, will continue to be developed in line with the priority needs of the region as identified by the South-Eastern Regional Mental Handicap Co-ordinating Committee.