Respite investment plan to benefit children and adults with disabilities in Mayo

A RECORD investment of €15 million assigned to respite provision should see respite services for children and adults with disabilities living in Mayo expand, Fine Gael Minister of State Alan Dillon has said.

He stated: “We have seen additional investment in respite services in successive budgets, which is 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.

“Compared to 2023, this year’s investment is an 18% increase in funding, which is very welcome. But this figure must continue to increase.”

Minister Dillon continued: “€1,037,898 has been allocated to CHO2 (Community Healthcare Organisation area), which covers Mayo. 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. We need to ensure respite provision is flexible to the needs of the services users and this will go some way towards that.

“I am pleased to learn that some innovative proposals are under consideration by the Minister for Disability to ensure all forms of respite are being considered, as well as maximising capacity such extending a service from four nights per week to seven nights per week. This means extra additional bed nights are available, meaning additional people can access respite.

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