Sinn Féin Donegal TD Pearse Doherty has called for more support for respite services in Donegal in the run up to Christmas.
Speaking today, he claimed the government were failing families.
Deputy Doherty said he has been contacted by a range of people with worries over accessing respite care in the coming weeks.
“Respite services are not a luxury but a critical support. Often, these services provide the only opportunity for family members to attend special occasions or to simply rest and recharge,” Deputy Doherty said.
“Family carers save the State billions every year. Despite this, they are clearly not being supported with available respite hours.
Deputy Doherty has raised questions over why respite at St. Josephs appears to still be closed due to fire safety concerns highlighted by HIQA and why respite Services at Killybegs Community Hospital is still not operating fully and at 5 days a week due to recruitment issues.
“This isn’t good enough. In situations like this, the HSE should immediately be able to pay for available respite beds in private facilities to be used so as people are not left in the lurch,” he said.
“I have written to the HSE to find out exactly why respite is being cancelled in certain facilities and to find out if private respite beds could be used.
“It is time to leverage all existing capacity to reopen closed respite services. And to implement a multi-annual strategic workforce plan to expand services and address the unacceptable levels of unmet need.”
