Local TD Matt Carthy, has described as 'a shameful indictment' the current capacity of Respite Services for Children with Disabilities across Cavan and Monaghan.
Deputy Carthy was speaking during a Dáil debate on a Sinn Féin motion which demanded the expansion of respite services. He recounted the case of one family who are going through a 'horrendous time' because of the failure to provide the respite care their son needs.
The Carrickmacross native said he cannot tolerate the situation continuing and called on government to implement the Sinn Féin motion.
The Cavan Monaghan TD said this situation is the most frustrating issue that has to deal with.
Deputy Carthy said that his frustration is nothing compared to that of the families affected by the systemic failure to provide their children with the respite services they need.
"I raised the case of one family whose son has complicated disabilities and profound behavioural and other issues. The family is going through an horrendous time. The child's father has been hospitalised since last year and will need long-term care. The mother is trying to hold all of these strings together. If she unravels, the whole family will unravel. The family desperately needs respite care.
"I thank the Minister of State, Anne Rabbitte, for her proactive engagement with me on this case but the child still has not received the respite care that he needs. The statement of purpose has been changed in Cavan but this child has still not been offered respite care.
"Efforts to secure a place in County Louth have not materialised. The family is now trying to source a service in County Kildare. They live at the top end of north County Monaghan. The very fact the family is contemplating this just shows their desperation.
"It is not good enough. It is a shameful indictment of our services for children with disabilities and every Government that has allowed it to get to this point".
