Dublin South West TD, Se\u00e1n Crowe, has said that a recent reply to a Sinn F\u00e9in Parliamentary Question has revealed that respite care hours for children and adults with disabilities have been massively cut over the last 3 years. The number of overnight respites provided to children and adults with disabilities has dropped by a whopping 22,600 nights.<\/p>\n
The Sinn F\u00e9in TD believes that this is causing real hardship and difficulties for families who need respite care for a loved one and it is leading to burn out and breakdowns in family relationships.<\/p>\n
Deputy Se\u00e1n Crowe said:<\/p>\n
\u201cOvernight respite is vital for those with disabilities and their families. It allows for rest, attendance at special events, other responsibilities to get some attention, and it is vital for families and carers. This massive cut in respite hours is having a devastating effect on relationships and is playing havoc with the well-being of those in desperate need of this service.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is clear from the Health Service Executive\u2019s (HSE\u2019s) reply to this Sinn F\u00e9in Parliamentary Question that the Government is failing to equip service providers with the necessary resources to deal with the new stringent and modern standards required from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce again, this Government is completely out of touch with citizen\u2019s needs, including their own service providers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Minister for Health, Simon Harris, needs to urgently address the serious issue of overnight respite care, and give families and carers the break they clearly need to carry out their vital work in caring for our vulnerable citizens.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
ENDS<\/p>\n