A Kerry TD says there's a chronic shortage of respite beds in the county.
Fianna Fáil Deputy Michael Cahill recently brought the issue before the Joint Oireachteas Committee on Health.
Deputy Cahill says families in Kerry have contacted him alleging that respite for people with additional needs have been cut back.
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He says that the minimum time for respite has been reduced from four weeks to two, with wait times up to seven months.
Deputy Cahill says the people of Kerry are crying out for help:
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On the committee was CEO of the HSE, Bernard Gloster, who responded saying he was surprised to hear of the reduction in respite times and will look into the issue.
He said that the HSE has made substantial investments into respite:
