A Programme for a Partnership Government affirms that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with disabilities. I have the social care and disability service plan for 2017 in front of me and while I do not doubt the commitment of the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Finian McGrath, who has just left the Chamber, I wish to raise an issue regarding Sligo. A purpose-built HSE respite facility was built four years ago at a cost of €1.2 million. There is no question that there is a big demand for respite services, particularly for emergency respite for parents following a death in a family, for example. It is a busy service but I was told recently by parents that the service is being reduced to six nights per month, which is a significant reduction. Effectively the facility will be closed for 24 nights per month, which is regrettable and wrong.

I contacted HSE management and was told that funding has been applied for and a response is awaited.

This sounds more like a topical issue than a matter -----

It is a very serious issue for the service users because it gives them a break -----

All right. The Deputy's time is up so I ask the Taoiseach to respond.

I am not sure what happens on the extra day in a month that has 31 days, if the service is open for six and closed for 24 days.

I spoke about an average -----

The Taoiseach is very funny.

In any event, I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, and ask him to seek a response from the HSE.