DUP will continue to lobby for Cottages staff and families

He made the comments following a recent visit by Health Minister Jim Wells who toured the facilities and also met with the staff, parents and children.

Mr Middleton said: “I would like to thank the Minister for taking time to meet with the service users and staff of the cottages. The Londonderry DUP have for some time been speaking with the parents who have children at the respite centre and we have been passing on their concerns to the Minister.

“The Minister has now seen at first hand the service which is provided at the cottages and he has heard from parents who have children that use the facilities.

“The Chief Executive of the Western Trust was also in attendance and she gave an outline of the current position and the plans for a project team to be set up to look at further options to ensure that there is the necessary respite provision in the Londonderry area.

“I will continue to work with the parents and staff of the cottages to ensure their voices are heard.”