Minister Anne Rabbitte confirmed this week that the anomaly affecting children with disabilities in Cavan-Monaghan and their lack of access to respite services is to be resolved. Additional respite services will also be provided in both counties as there are none in Co Monaghan and just one in Co Cavan which operates every second week.
The HSE said it will update the Statement of Purpose for the Annalee Respite Centre to ensure "equity and equality for children in the area". Meanwhile, local Sinn Fein TD, Deputy Matt Carthy, raised the matter in the Dail on a number of occasions.
He says that children with disabilities across Cavan and Monaghan were being discriminated against because of the issue. 'The HSE has confirmed to the Minister that Cavan and Monaghan Disability Services have reviewed the Statement of Purpose for the Annalee Respite Centre.
"Having taken cognisance of the Statements of Purpose of existing centres in CHO1, and the express needs of children in the Cavan and Monaghan area in particular, the HSE has updated the Statement of Purpose for Children's Respite to ensure equity and equality for children in our area.
"The process has been commenced with HIQA to vary the current service in Annalee Respite Centre and it's anticipated that Annalee Respite Services will be in a position to proceed under their revised Statement of Purpose in May 2023, which is very welcome news.
"The HSE confirmed to the Minister's office that Cavan and Monaghan Disability Services have completed a proposal for the new respite development, and is currently exploring a potential location for this new respite centre development alongside HSE Estates," Deputy Carthy said.
