Question from Deputy Thomas Gould - PQ 56157-26

To ask the Minister for Children; Disability and Equality the breakdown of the €25 million allocated for respite services in 2026; the proportion of this funding allocated to overnight, centre-based respite beds compared to daytime, alternative, or recreational summer initiatives; the total number of overnight respite beds currently open and staffed nationally; the number of children currently on waiting lists for overnight respite care; the specific steps being taken to address the acute shortage of overnight respite for families caring for children with high-level behavioral and complex needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter.