Vol. 427 No. 3
1 Mr. Dukes asked the Taoiseach if, in the context of the allocation of Cabinet responsibilities, he has any proposals to move the responsibility for services to people with mental handicaps from the Minister for Health to the Minister for Equality and Law Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Minister for Health, Deputy Howlin and the Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Taylor, are at present engaged in discussions with a view to ensuring that the best possible services are provided for people with a mental handicap, in line with the commitments contained in our Programme for a Partnership Government. A statement will be issued in due course when the discussions in this regard have been concluded.
A Cheann Comhairle, the Taoiseach has not actually answered my question. I asked him if he had any plans to transfer responsibility for services for the mentally handicaped but he mentioned that discussions are ongoing between the Minister for Health and the Minister for Equality and Law Reform. Why is it necessary to have these discussions?
I think the Deputy and I have the same objective, that is to ensure that services to people with mental handicap are delivered in the best possible manner. I am concerned that structures are put in place so that the services are delivered in the best possible manner. I do not think we have a difference of opinion on the objectives we wish to achieve.
Is the Taoiseach not aware that the organisations which are providing care in this sector are extremely worried at any suggestion that they may have to deal now with another Department, which does not necessarily have any direct connection with their operations or any understanding of their concerns? Would the Taoiseach say why it is necessary to add this threat of more bureaucracy?
It is not a question of that, but of ensuring the best way forward for the administration of these services. These organisations need have no fears in that regard because both Ministers concerned are as determined as I am, and I am sure as the Deputy is, that the services are delivered in the most effective and efficient manner. When the discussions are complete we will certainly let the Deputy have the full details.
In the Taoiseach's opinion which Department is the more suitable to cater for the needs of the handicapped?
We all would agree that the Department for Equality and Law Reform should at least have a co-ordinating role.
Why?
I am fully aware of the concerns of some organisations about their position because their schemes are being administered by the Department of Health, many through the health boards.
This is another of the Labour Party demands.
I am quite conscious of what the Deputy may have in mind. Deputy Dukes, just wait and you will see it, you cannot expect it all to happen in five or six weeks.
Does the Taoiseach consider it unsatisfactory that generally speaking services for the handicapped have to operate under three Departments, the Department of Labour, the Department of Health and the Department of Education and in some cases this leads to a delay because those working voluntarily on behalf of the handicapped are sent from one Department to another? Indeed, I have experience of that in my own constituency, in Cashel. Does the Taoiseach intend to remedy this by giving responsibility to one Minister for the services to the handicapped?
Deputy Ahearn has made the case for at least co-ordinating services and that is exactly what is being examined because we want to ensure that the best possible services are rendered to the handicapped. We spend in excess of £200 million a year on these services and it is important that the voluntary organisations and everybody concerned gets the best possible service.
Does Deputy Taylor not trust his colleague?
We trust each other implicitly.
The best case for co-ordination was made by the Opposition Member.
