O’Dowd calls for respite care to be safeguarded
Issued : Sunday 4 July, 2010
THE decision to close a Brothers of Charity respite house in Limerick has been condemned by Labour councillor Virginia O’Dowd.
She said that it was obvious from the HSE’s decision that they regarded the voluntary sector as an easy target.
“It is difficult to appreciate the unselfish dedication and courage that parents of children with special needs exercise as they struggle with day to day problems. All members of the households are affected.
“The only way that these families can survive these extremely stressful times is by the provision of daycare and respite centres by voluntary agencies,” she said.
Cllr O’Dowd said that while the HSE was responsible for the closure, the ultimate responsibility lay with the Government and the Minister for Health. The State continually evades its duty of care to these families. This can be seen through the hundreds of voluntary organisations that are required to look after families and those with special needs.
“The HSE’s priority would seem to be saving money, keeping within budget rather than reforming existing structures,” she said. “It is hard to avoid the conclusion that voluntary agencies are seen as a soft touch, lacking political clout and without the connections that could lead to industrial unrest within the health services.”
Cllr O’Dowd said that it was indicative of the Government’s priorities that side issues such as the ban on stag hunting and dog breeding were the focus of debate in the Dail at the same time as parents and children were protesting at the gates of Leinster House and in Limerick over these closures.
“I am calling on all the TDs in North Tipperary, but especially those who were vocal in threatening to withdraw their support over this week’s Dog Breeding Bill, that they issue the same threat to ensure that these respite and care services are restored and maintained,” said Cllr O’Dowd.
Cllr 
