Respite care in Sligo in disarray

DEPUTY Martin Kenny, Sinn Féin TD for Sligo has reiterated that it is not acceptable that the Taoiseach, when questions regarding Programme for Government commitments are put to him, shrugs and says it is a matter for the HSE or whatever other body on which he can offload his responsibility.

Deputy Kenny said in the Dáil that the Programme for Government pledged the government to support the first ever carers’ strategy published in 2012.

He added: “However, respite care is in absolute disarray in my constituency, as it is in many areas nationally … Solas House in Sligo was built a number of years ago to provide respite services to people in the region, but it is now being closed.

“It is being suggested that people hire private carers to come to the home to look after the person in exchange for respite. That is completely inappropriate. Is the Government going to put money into the budget for the direct provision of respite by the HSE to these people?

“The Programme for Government also states that the Government supports an increase in carer’s allowance and carer’s benefit. Will both of those payments be increased in the upcoming budget?

The Taoiseach responded that it was not a matter for the Department of Finance, but the Department of Health and the HSE and sat down. He needs to take responsibility for the massive problems in our public services. Is he the leader of government or not?” he asked