€1.6m for new respite services for adults and children with intellectual disabilities

Two new respite services for adults and children with moderate to severe intellectual disability, physical and sensory needs and autism are due to open in Meath next year.

Funding of €1.6m was allocated to the HSE in Budget 2023 for the development of respite services in the county which will see two new services come on stream in 2024.

The first service will be a five-bed service for adults aged 18 years with moderate to severe intellectual disability, physical and sensory need and autism. The service must also provide for complex care including medical care needs at periodic intervals, which will be informed by service demands in Co Meath. This will serve approximately 80 service users and aims to open seven nights per week in line with the National Service Plan 2023.

The second service will also be a five-bed service for children aged 6-17 years of age up to their 18th birthday with moderate to severe intellectual disability, physical and sensory needs and autism.

Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Anne Rabbitte TD has confirmed to Meath East TD Thomas Byrne that the two new services will be developed and come on stream in 2024.

Minister Rabbitte said that due to the level of funding a tender had to be developed which meant it had taken longer than planned to get to this stage and this tender is now live with interested providers being asked to apply.

She acknowledged the continued work, engagement and advocacy of the Special Hands Activity Group, who she has met and engaged with over a number of years now to get this project over the line.