‘Record’ €15m for respite care is ‘vital’ for Cork

The allocation of what has been described as “a record investment in respite provision” should see an expansion of respite services for children and adults with disabilities living in Cork, according to one local Government TD.

The funding, which has been announced as being €15 million nationwide, was welcomed as “vital” by Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central and Minister of State at the Department of Health.

Mr Burke said successive budgets had seen additional investment in respite services in successive budgets, which he said was crucial for families of people with disabilities.

“It’s vital that the provision of respite continues on an equitable basis and that we see expansion of services,” he said.

“Compared to 2023, this year’s investment is an 18% increase in funding, which is very welcome. But this figure must continue to increase.” Mr Burke said €2,274,680 had been allocated to CHO4, the HSE community healthcare organisation area which covers Cork.

“As well as developing new high-quality, respite centres, this funding will be used to extend the opening of services not operating at full capacity, as well as providing the likes of after school clubs, weekend clubs and tea-time respite,” he said.

“We need to ensure respite provision is flexible to the needs of the services users and this will go some way towards that.” The northside TD said he was pleased to learn that some innovative proposals were under consideration by Disability Minister Ann Rabbitte, which would, he said, ensure all forms of respite were considered, “as well as maximising capacity such extending a service from four nights per week to seven nights per week”.

This would mean additional bed nights would be available, meaning additional people could access respite, he said.

“I know many service users here in Cork., both families, and providers. It’s evident to me how crucial a role respite care plays in many people’s lives,” Mr Burke said.

“I want to ensure quality respite care is available to anyone who needs it and will be working to ensure investment in this key support continues.”