A new record investment of €15 million assigned to respite provision has been confirmed by the Government.
Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, has announced the details of the investment of €15 million, which when all measures are implemented, would have a full year cost of €25 million.
This funding will provide vital respite for children and adults with disabilities.
In previous budgets, there has been significant additional investment in respite services and now, it’s been revealed that ‘every effort’ is being made to continue this support on an equitable basis and to expand provision in all its forms.
Compared to 2023, this year’s investment is an 18% increase in funding and will see an expansion in all respite options. It is also the single greatest uplift in respite.
Minister Rabbitte commented about the investment to explain, “One of my key commitments as Minister has been to bolster the level of respite in all its forms for children and adults with disabilities across the country, and today is the continuation of that with the allocation of €15 million to the HSE to develop respite in all its form”.
“As well as developing new high-quality, respite centres, this funding will be used to extend the opening of services not operating at full capacity, as well as providing the likes of after school clubs, weekend clubs and tea-time respite. We need to ensure respite provision is flexible to the needs of the services users and this will go some way towards that”.
“It’s great to see some innovative proposals from around the country to ensure all forms of respite are being considered, as well as maximising capacity such extending a service from four nights per week to seven nights per week. This means extra additional bed nights are available, meaning additional people can access respite”.
Minister Rabbitte added, “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting numerous service users, families, and providers. I fully understand the crucial role respite care plays in alleviating stress and enhancing the quality of life for everyone involved. I know there is plenty more work to do to ensure people have access to respite and it will be kept to the fore as a priority area for investment”.
