Louisa Fitzgerald respite care
Deputy Carroll MacNeill again raises the need for residential and respite care for Louisa Fitzgerald and other profoundly disabled people in Dún Laoghaire. The Minister of State says the respite house is now at full capacity and the family will be contacted about reinstating care.
I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I raise again with the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, the need for residential and respite care for people with profound disabilities in Dún Laoghaire in my constituency, in particular the case of 28-year-old Louisa Fitzgerald who has been profoundly disabled since birth and requires 24-hour care. Her parents are in their 60s and both have been through cancer twice. Louisa suffers from severe epileptic seizures and needs residential care. At the very least, her family need respite care. I have written to and spoken with the Minister of State about this case and I thank her for her support. I am embarrassed for the HSE to have to raise and press Louisa's case with the Minister of State in the Dáil to try to get respite and some comfort for her parents as they continue to look after her in advance of getting residential care.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for her continuing work on this particular case and for highlighting to me that the respite house in question was not working at full capacity. The respite house has come into full capacity in recent days. I have been reassured by the HSE that Louisa's family will be contacted about the reinstatement of her respite care.