Respite beds for disability care
Deputy Moynihan and Deputy Kenny complained of continuing shortages of respite beds for people with intellectual and other disabilities. The Minister of State said capacity had increased but demand was outstripping supply, and he would look into the specific house mentioned by Deputy Kenny.
This time last year, I raised the issue of respite beds for adults with intellectual disability a number of times. All the answers I got said it would be looked at in the context of the next budget and increasing the respite care that would be available for 2018. After the budget was brought through officials played us along for six months and now tell me there is no money available. Senior officials from the HSE told me on Tuesday morning no money is available for extra respite care beds. We are looking at sharing the care and respite beds for families particularly over the summer months. There is no honour to the commitments that were given and no respite care available. It is a shameful position to be in. The Taoiseach should take a serious look at what he said last year and the reality on the ground.
Comment on this
It is the same situation in Sligo-Leitrim. We have a huge problem there with respite services for children with disabilities. Solas house in Sligo has been closed and we were promised a new one would be put in place. There is supposed to be a house in Tullaghan that would serve north Leitrim, Sligo and south Donegal. So far, after months and months of waiting, nobody has been admitted to it. We need to get this in place because there are families out there trying to take care of vulnerable people and they get no break whatsoever. All we are getting is promises. It is time something was done about it.
Comment on this
If either of the Deputies have a specific query, the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, is the Minister of State with responsibility. Earlier this year there was an announcement of an increase in the number of respite beds. There has been an increase and there continues to be an increase in the number of beds being provided.
Comment on this
We readily acknowledge it is not enough and the demand is increasing at such a rate that capacity cannot keep up with it. We continue to try to meet that demand. Deputy Kenny raised the issue of the house that is not operational and I am quite happy to have a look at that for the Deputy and come back to him on it.