Respite Care Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2017

Tuesday, 26 September 2017

Ceisteanna (271)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

271. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to a public statement issued by the HSE on 27 April 2017 regarding respite services in counties Carlow and Kilkenny, the progress made on each project and the level of funding provided; the general respite services provided in counties Carlow and Kilkenny to parents of children with disabilities, including overnight services; if an organisation (details supplied) continues to provide interim services in County Carlow; if a long-term solution has been agreed; if a full service provider has been put in place to replace a centre (details supplied); the status of the provision of a purpose-built respite service centre for County Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40182/17]

Freagraí scríofa

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 issues raised by the Deputy relate to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.