Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has been informed by the HSE that it is proposed to provide respite services in Cavan Town. 

The HSE were replying to Deputy Brendan Smith’s ongoing representations regarding the need to provide adequate and much-needed respite services for children and adults in Cavan/Monaghan. 

 “Additional difficulties arose under the past few months due to the non-availability of the Annalee Centre in Cootehill for respite services. I have been informed by Cavan/Monaghan Disability Services that they recently met with HSE Estates to discuss the commencement of remedial and improvement works at Annalee House”, stated Brendan Smith T.D.

Cavan/Monaghan Disability Services informed Deputy Brendan Smith that they will continue to offer the Day Care Services at the weekend in order to support adults and children.  They further stated that some adults are availing of Steadfast House Respite services and some children are availing of alternative respite services.  The HSE state that additional home support hours have also been offered and that they will continue to explore alternative respite to meet the needs of service users.

Deputy Brendan Smith told Northern Sound following representations and meetings with the Disabilities Minister and the HSE that it is essential that adequate respite provision is made for both children and adults in Cavan/Monaghan.  He stated that he will continue to highlight the urgent need to upgrade these services and to have this new centre operational as soon as possible.