Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has again raised the need for the opening of the Cavan Respite Centre with the Minister for Health.
Deputy Brendan Smith said, “I have repeatedly raised this with the Minister for Health and HSE directly. In their most recent reply I have been informed all documentation for the new proposed Respite Centre in Cavan has been submitted to HIQA.
“Final confirmation is awaited from HIQA to enable the HSE to open this temporary Respite Centre and I hope that this approval will be forthcoming without further delay. Many families throughout Cavan and Monaghan are anxious that this facility should open at the earliest possible date due to pressure on places in other Centres.
“Living with a son, daughter, parent or sibling with special needs is a 24/7 role. The provision of respite is absolutely vital to the carer for their own physical and mental health. Families are being abandoned by Fine Gael with inadequate resources being provided both for carers and respite and this is another disappointing, frustrating example,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.