Some €5 million in funding is being provided for the opening of nine additional respites houses for those with disabilities this year, the Government announced on Tuesday.
Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, said the first of the centres to open across the country would be St Gabriel’s Children’s respite house in Mungret, Limerick, with funding now provided to the HSE.
Respite care centres offer support for those who provide daily caretaking duties to a family member, providing short-term care for those with a disability or illness.
Minister Rabbitte said the funding for the HSE to open the nine houses across all community healthcare areas was a fulfilment of a commitment made in Budget 2021.
“I am delighted to announce St Gabriel’s as the first of these services. I want to thank all those who worked tirelessly to fundraise for this respite house which will provide specialist respite supports to children,” she said.
I am very aware of the pressure on families who are often under tremendous strain to keep going
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“I have requested the HSE to give the utmost priority to putting these new facilities and services in place without delay and to provide me with regular reports so I can ensure this additional funding is directly targeted at the people who need it most.”
Minister Rabbitte said the HSE hopes to confirm the location of the other facilities in the coming months.
“I hope that this funding will enable children and adults with disabilities and their families to access this vital support,” she continued.
“I am very aware of the pressure on families who are often under tremendous strain to keep going.
“I really believe that respite plays an integral role in the wider provision of disability services and it is an area I’m keen to continue developing.”
