Almost 100 children with disabilities waiting for respite services in Longford Westmeath

Sinn Féin TD for Longford Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, has called for urgent action to address the significant waiting list for respite services for children with disabilities in the constituency.

A response to a parliamentary question received by Deputy Clarke has confirmed that 97 children in Longford Westmeath are currently waiting for respite services.

The HSE confirmed that the figure includes children waiting for a first-time service as well as children who are already receiving supports but are waiting for an increase in their existing respite provision.

The respite services covered include overnight respite, community respite, home supports and Share A Break hours.

Teachta Clarke said: “Respite is not a luxury – it provides essential support to children with disabilities while also giving parents and carers the opportunity to rest and recharge.

“I welcome confirmation from the HSE that additional funding has been secured in 2026 for both overnight and community respite services in Longford Westmeath; however, families cannot be expected to simply remain on waiting lists while capacity is built.

“We need to see this funding translated into additional services as quickly as possible, with clear timelines for when children currently waiting will receive the support they need.

“The government must also ensure that the additional funding is sufficient to meet the level of demand. The fact that 97 children are waiting tells us that existing capacity is not meeting the needs of families in Longford Westmeath.

“Families of children with disabilities deserve certainty and access to the supports they are entitled to. I will continue to press the Minister and the HSE to ensure that the additional respite capacity promised for 2026 is delivered without delay and that no child or family is left behind.”