Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has called for an urgent overhaul of services for adults and children with disabilities in Cavan and Monaghan. According to the Cavan-Monaghan TD, parents in particular are at their "wits' end." Speaking in the Dáil recently, Deputy Smith called for a stand-alone respite centre for children and adults in both counties.
Deputy Smith believes a new day activation unit is needed to replace the Clogher House day activation unit which he says is situated in a "totally outdated building" and is "not fit for purpose."
He added that the most challenged young adults need proper supports; "Therapy services for persons with different levels of dependency also need urgent improvement. Minister of State for disabilities Anne Rabbitte, in response, told her Fianna Fáil colleague that the local HSE has made a proposal for a stand-alone respite centre for Cavan-Monaghan, for Cavan. It will support 50 families and it will be open 52 weeks of the year," she said. "Along with the Minister, Roderic O'Gorman, I am currently finalising the national respite plan within which Cavan-Monaghan is a priority. Funding has been allocated for Clogher House under the capital plan for a new stand-alone purpose-built day service facility."
