To ask the Minister of Health what progress has been made on the plans to reopen and to provide day centre and respite care for people with disabilities and older people.

Day centre and respite care services are open at a reduced capacity, in line with Infection Prevention Control (IPC) requirements and social distancing guidelines. IPC and social distancing guidelines are subject to regular review cognisant of the rollout and effectiveness of the vaccine programme and rates of infection.

Services are continuously monitored and assessed so that service uptake and unfilled spaces are reallocated where possible to do so. Aligned to this process, Trusts have been working with families and community colleagues to scope additional/ alternative supports, including Direct Payments, and domiciliary and respite options.