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02 Oct 2025
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02 Oct 2025
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SOS celebrated 50 years this week
Senator Patricia Stephenson of the Social Democrats highlighted the need for increased respite availability to ease the burdens being placed on primary caregivers in a Seanad debate on disability provisions this week.
She stated that respite is a crucial aspect that is experiencing severe strain like many areas of healthcare and criticised the lack of transparency from the HSE surrounding data on the number of respite beds available.
Addressing the Minister of State, Niall Collins, Senator Stephenson praised the work of SOS Kilkenny in providing respite care while also pointing out the pressure the organisation is under.
“SOS is one example of a respite provider to adults with intellectual disabilities and autism across Kilkenny City and county. It is a fantastic organisation,” she said.
“This week marks its 50th anniversary and demonstrates its role as a cornerstone in the disability sector in Kilkenny. Its services include offering community-based day locations and a part-time, short-break service to individuals. This gives people the opportunity to experience increased independence and build lifelong skills,” she added.
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Senator Stephenson then spoke about the impacts that diminishing respite availability is having on many care givers:
“SOS provides respite care in one home, but it is fully booked for this year and the only other respite it can provide is on an emergency basis. The respite it provides enables families to continue their role while ensuring service users receive appropriate and dignified care,” she outlined.
“It is really unfair that families rely on respite. Many care givers are completely exhausted and risk burnout.”
The senator concluded her speaking time by asserting that SOS needed expanded facilities to deal with the demand and enquired to Minister Collins about €1.5 million in extra funding for Sycamore House, a dedicated respite facility at the location.
“SOS, in particular, needs a second home to be able to provide a more comprehensive respite service.”
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