Minister Moran secures extra €100k funding for St. Hilda's Respite service

 

Minister of State 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 confirmed that he had met with Health Minister Simon Harris and Disability Minister, Finian McGrath, together with its CEO, Shelia Buckley-Byrne and a number of people availing of services at St. Hilda’s 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. 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,” said Minister Moran. “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 in their Adult Respite from 18 nights monthly to 9 more nights monthly and to provide respite to 8 more individuals with intellectual disability on their waiting list.

“All are high needs and I am delighted to have been in a position to secure the funding,” said the Athlone-based Minister of State.