Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, has said that it is completely unacceptable that less respite care is being provided so far in 2018 compared to last year. He revealed that 1,410 less overnight respite sessions were provided in Dublin South West in 2018 compared to 2017

The Sinn Féin TD said that despite all the promises made by the government in 2017 to improve and increase respite care, it is clearly failing those that need this vital service in Dublin South West and across the State.

Teachta Crowe said:

“Respite care is one of the most important services provided by the health service. Those who avail of respite services will tell you that it is precious in providing their loved one and their family with much needed rest.

“It is utterly unacceptable that despite rising requests and need, less respite care is being provided this year compared to last year.

“Figures released to Sinn Féin show that the number of overnight respite sessions accessed by people with a disability fell by up 2,911 sessions in the first half of this year, compared with the same period in 2017.

“In Dublin South West there were a massive 1,410 less overnight respite sessions provided so far this year compared to 2017.

“This situation is completely unacceptable. When provision is cut or reduced it has serious real life implications for families.

“These respite sessions provide respite and relief to parents and families who have a person in the household with a disability; they are some of the hardest pressed and struggling families in the state, and the evidence shows that this government is failing them.

“We need to see year on year increases and investment in respite services in order to provide for currently unmet need and future need. You cannot provide less respite to the tune of thousands of hours and expect families who need it not to suffer.

“The cutting of these respite sessions has real life implications for families across the State and it has to be reversed as a matter of urgency.”

ENDS