A Junior Minister at the Department of Health admits the situation in relation to overnight respite care for children in Carlow and Kilkenny is ‘far from ideal’.
Helen McEntee responded to a question from local Deputy Pat Deering who raised the matter after local parents were left devastated last week when it emerged plans that were in place fell through.
Deputy Deering asked the Minister why the Health Service did not keep parents in the picture.
Enable Ireland have been identified in recent months as the new service provider for overnight respite care and plans are in place for a purpose built service but the HSE have admitted it could be two years away yet.
Minister McEntee says that’s a step in the right direction but acknowledged that some service will be required in the interim.
