Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2024
1815. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of the progress made in addressing the action under the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026 to develop a formal policy on respite, including agreed access and prioritisation criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32205/24]
View answerThe Action Plan for Disability Service 2024-2026 is a plan for increasing capacity in and access to disability services. The plan outlines actions for the period 2024-2026 under three key areas – providing better access to services, maximising impact of service delivery and improved planning and management through better information and systems.
Actions pertaining to respite services are –
A7.1 Build the capacity for overnight and alternative respite; and
A7.2 Prepare a working paper on respite provision.
Already additional capacity for respite will be delivered by way of additional funding provided in Budget 2024. New development funding of €15m (full year €25m) is being allocated to ensure provision continues to expand significantly across the country with proposals sought to address increasing centre-based capacity, providing new centre-based capacity, increase day/alternative respite options, etc. This process is being managed by the HSE.
The Department is preparing a working paper on respite provision.
At national level, a Monitoring Group has been set up to review progress with the Action Plan twice-yearly. The Monitoring Group is chaired at Ministerial level and membership includes representatives from relevant stakeholders such as Disabled Persons’ Organisations, provider umbrella bodies, and the National Disability Authority. The focus of its work will be to review progress and identify emerging risks or difficulties, in particular those affecting major items in the Action Plan, or where delivery is well off course. Where appropriate and relevant, the Group may make recommendations on how risks or difficulties can be addressed.
I intend to make available information on the significant investment in Specialist Community-Based Disability Respite Services, demonstrating the respite provision that is being supported across communities.
