Corrigan welcomes firm commitment to respite services

Senator Maria Corrigan has welcomed the firm commitment of the Taoiseach and Minister John Moloney to respite services and that required savings should not to be achieved by cutting frontline services.

“This commitment is very welcome and reaffirms the Government’s position that frontline services must be protected. 5,000 people are in receipt of respite service in the intellectual disability area.  42 service providers provide respite care, at the moment two providers are not in a position to do so and that's why meetings have been taking place this week to examine areas where savings can be made without affecting frontline services,” said Senator Corrigan.

“It is not acceptable that respite services will be cut and as far as the Taoiseach is concerned, that will not happen.  The Government has never directed the HSE to cut respite services.  Minister Moloney is very engaged in the discussions around this issue and I’m very heartened by the most recent comments of the Brothers of Charity that it will try to maintain its Galway respite services at the levels agreed with the HSE for the rest of this year.”
 
“I met this week with a number of groups who travelled to Dublin and I was very glad to hear from them the difference the respite services make to the lives of thousands of people.  Community living is providing independence and dignity to those who previously would not have been able to enjoy this without a commitment from the State.”

“I want to emphasise the importance of people who are presently living in homes within the community receiving reassurance that under no circumstances will any cuts be tolerated that would result in them losing their homes and being moved back into institutions.”

“I appreciate meeting with the groups and service providers and have held a number of meetings with those working in and benefiting from respite services in recent weeks and will continue to do so in the coming weeks.”

“I look forward to the value for money audit commissioned by Minister John Moloney which is due to be completed in September.  I do believe that we can achieve savings in the disability area without impacting on frontline services and indeed I’m delighted the Minister has stated again that any money saved in back-end areas will be used to benefit frontline services in the disability area,” concluded Senator Corrigan.