Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Longford-Westmeath TD, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has announced that he has secured an extra €100,000 for respite services at St Hilda’s Services, Athlone.
Minister Moran said he met with Health Minister, Simon Harris; Disability Minister, Finian McGrath; St Hilda’s CEO, Shelia Buckley-Byrne; and a number of people availing of the respite service some weeks ago to press the need for additional funding.
“I am delighted to have been able to secure the extra funding for respite services,” Minister Moran said. “I know how invaluable the work that St Hilda’s does in our community and how important respite is to the many carers who need it.
“With this new funding, St Hilda’s will open respite for more overnight breaks and provide a service to individuals on waiting lists, which is very important. Carers do need respite and such breaks are essential for them in order to recharge and carry on the great work that they do, which is often hidden and unappreciated.”
St Hilda’s had applied to the HSE to increase the number of nights on offer in their adult respite service from 18 to 27 monthly, and to provide respite to eight more individuals with intellectual disabilities on their waiting list.
“All are high needs and I am delighted to have been in a position to secure the funding,” Minister Moran concluded.
