The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality has given an update on the status of a new children's disability respite centre in Monaghan.
Norma Foley was responding to a parliamentary question asked by Cavan Monaghan TD Matt Carthy.
Deputy Carthy sought to know the current status, the additional places that will be available and whether the current respite centre will close before or after the new centre is delivered.
In her response, Minister Foley said the Government and the HSE recognise the need for Children's respite around the country including Co Monaghan.
Respite can help prevent out-of-home full-time residential placements, and preserve the family unit and support stability.
The Minister said progress has been made, with a new suitable premises purchased and keys transferred to the HSE.
She advised that the HSE has engaged with an architect to commence renovation, and said she has been advised the five bedroom residential respite facility should be completed in Q1 of 2026.
The HSE said to ensure support is provided to children with disabilities and their families, it continues to fund an interim children's respite centre in Monaghan, which opened in October 2024 and is operating on a two year contract.
There is also a respite centre that operates in Co Cavan and provides respite for both adults and children from Cavan and Monaghan on alternative weeks.
The Minister also noted there is a number of further respite options to support children and their families in Cavan and Monaghan, including day and after-school respite.
