Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
146. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the status and number of operational respite beds for children with disabilities in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28742/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHSE South West Disability Services delivers residential respite, day respite and a range of alternative respite models. Alternative respite models include afterschool clubs, in-home support for children, outreach supports and holiday breaks for adults. A variety of services ensures that respite is provided in the manner which best meets the needs of the person and their families.
HSE South West Disability Services is acutely aware of the demand for respite services and, on receipt of funding, has significantly invested in respite services in recent years. HSE South West Disability Services continues to invest in respite services, developing alternative respite models and progressively developing additional respite services for those who require them.
HSE South West, Disability Services provides equitable access to respite services for children with disabilities in the Cork area and ensure that all available resources are used to maximum capacity.
HSE South West Disability Service Respite Fora meets on a bi-monthly basis to review all applications for respite received. Each application is reviewed to identify the appropriate respite for the child and their family. If respite is not immediately available, the child will be added to a waiting list for those seeking a service.
HSE South West Disability Services can advise, from key performance activity data (Cork only) at the end of 2025 that
• 818 children availed of respite services from S38, S39 and not for profit providers.
• A total of 2,697 respite overnights (with or without day respite) was delivered to children with an intellectual disability, physical and sensory disability and/ or with autism.
• A total of 2,576 day only respite sessions were delivered in 2025.
HSE South West Disability Services is acutely aware of the demand for respite services and has significantly invested in respite in recent years. The type and quantum of respite has been increased each year to meet the assessed needs and preferences of as many people as possible.
There are a number of recent developments in terms of respite provision for children in Cork. Discussion is ongoing with an existing provider, the Talbot Group with regard to increasing respite capacity in their children’s respite house.
An Síreach is an eight-bedded, HIQA-registered respite centre for children with disabilities, operated by Horizons. The service operates 7 nights per week, 363 days per year, and opened in 2023 and provides respite for children aged 6–18 years who meet the eligibility criteria.
The HSE Disability Office approved funding in 2025 to expand respite provision for both children and adults. A second designated centre will be developed to support this expansion. The new centre will alternate its service model, providing respite to children for two weeks and adults for two weeks each month.
Cooleens Respite House, operated by St. Joseph’s Foundation, reopened on 28th November 2025 and will operate six nights per week with a maximum capacity of five children.
The HSE have confirmed that funding of almost €4.5m will be provided to over 250 summer respite projects nationwide, each contributing to a more diverse, flexible, and person-centred respite landscape. Around €600,000 of this is going to IHA South West, funding 29 summer projects across Cork and Kerry which will provide additional respite options for both children and adults.
