Pringle presses Government to provide adequate respite care in Donegal
- Updated: 7th October 2021
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said he has heard from people who have not had respite in three years, as he again called on the Government to make adequate provisions for respite care in Donegal.
The deputy had raised the issue in the Dáil in May, when he asked Minister Eamon Ryan during Leaders’ Questions to ensure the Seaview Respite House in Mountcharles reopens with a seven-day service.
Addressing the Dáil yesterday (Wednesday) during Questions on Promised Legislation, Deputy Pringle told Minister Darragh O’Brien that Minister Ryan had said he would refer it to the relevant minister for a response.
Deputy Pringle said: “I’ve heard nothing since.”
The issue is still an ongoing problem across Donegal, the deputy said.
Deputy Pringle said: “In relation to Riverwalk Respite House, Carndonagh, I have had people contact me who haven’t had respite in three years.
“This inadequate provision is compounded by other factors, such as the lack of available supervision for ancillary services and families being refused the July provision. The knock-on detrimental effects on the well-being and mental health of families are huge. I see it first-hand in my office every day.”
Deputy Pringle concluded: “So my question is this, Minister: Will your government please make adequate provision for respite care or at least provide straight answers to our questions.”
