Deputy Smith highlighted his concerns over respite services in Cavan/Monaghan which he says are "totally inadequate."

A panelist on RTÉ's Prime Time programme said the €23m spent by the government on the referenda could've been spent on providing a respite centre for County Monaghan.

It follows a meeting at Monaghan's Four Seasons Hotel on Monday evening last as parents, families and people with disabilities gathered for a forum.

Any family who has a child with special educational needs is invited to come along to the speaking event tonight.

Her son has been diagnosed autistic, with ADHD and sensory processing disorder.

Deputy Carthy was speaking during a Dáil debate on a Sinn Féin motion which demanded the expansion of respite services.

Deputy Carthy told the Minister about a family in his constituency who are going through turmoil

A local TD says respite and day services must resume as soon as possible. Fianna Fáil's Brendan Smith raised the issue in the