A Monaghan TD has said it is a "shameful indictment" that the parent of a child with disabilities has been forced onto RTÉ's Liveline to outline the lack of capacity of respite Services for children with disabilities in Monaghan.
Sinn Fein's Matt Carthy said he has "repeatedly raised" concerns over the absence of respite care services in both Cavan and Monaghan with Government Ministers and HSE officials. Monaghan currently has no overnight respite services for children with disabilities. Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Carthy said his frustrations are nothing compared to that of the families affected by the systemic failure to provide their children with the respite services they need. As a result, Deputy Carthy has called on the Government to "act now" without further delay.
"Families in Monaghan are forced to seek respite services in Cavan. The latest figures I have indicate that just 33 receive respite care in Cavan, all of whom are seeking additional hours that they need. A further 57 children are on a waiting list for respite services. Others haven't even applied because they consider it pointless, even though its needed. "Government now need to act. They need to provide emergency short-term
proposals to address the Respite Care needs of children across County Monaghan. But, urgently, they need to set out their proposals to deliver a Respite centre in County Monaghan without delay."
