Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne, has told Meath Live that he welcomes the provision of funding for two new respite services in Meath.
He said, “I’m very pleased that Minister Rabbitte, through the HSE, has ensured that sufficient funding was secured in Budget 2023 for the development of respite in the county. A total of €1.6 million has been allocated, which will see two new services being developed and coming on stream in 2024” reported Minister for Sport and TD for Meath East, Thomas Byrne.
“I have been advised that, due to the level of the funding, a tender had to be developed, which is the reason it has taken a little longer than planned to get to this stage. Nonetheless, the tender is now live with interested providers are being asked to apply. It is most welcome to now be at this point.
“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 7 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. 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 also serve approximately 80 service users and aims to open 7 nights per week in line with the National Service Plan 2023.
“This is very positive news for county Meath”.
“I want to acknowledge the continued work, engagement and advocacy of the Special Hands Activity Group, who has met and engaged with Minister Rabbitte over a number of years now to get this over the line” .
