Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 7

Written Answers. - Occupational Therapy.

Dick Spring

Question:

31 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he will take to counter the long waiting times in some health board areas for assessments by occupational therapists; the average waiting times in each health board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23923/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The statistical information sought by the Deputy is not routinely gathered by my Department. However, I have asked the health boards to provide this data and I will communicate further with the Deputy when this becomes available.

Occupational therapy services form part of a set of generic services provided by the health boards and voluntary agencies for a range of people including those with physical and sensory disabilities, mental handicap and the elderly. I am aware that occupational therapy services are in need of development in all areas.

As set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium, this Government is committed to ensure that the needs and aspirations of people with disabilities, their families, carers and advocates are comprehensively addressed.

With regard to the provision of health services, this commitment comprehends the implementation of the recommendations in the report of the Review Group on Health and Personal Social Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities, Towards an Independent Future published in December 1996.

Towards an Independent Future sets out the requirements for the development of services in the physical and sensory disability sector, including occupational therapy services, over a five year period. The report recommends the appointment of an additional 80 occupational therapists. In its first six months in office, this Government allocated £10 million by way of once-off funding to address immediate and pressing problems in the sector, namely, the provision of aids and appliances and the elimination of deficits of the voluntary agencies providing services. This year a further £8.4 million has been allocated comprising £5.4 million additional revenue and £3 million for capital projects. Of the £5.4 million revenue, £3 million has been specifically earmarked for the development of services in the sector including occupational therapy services. From this funding, the health boards will be appointing a further 11 occupational therapists as well as providing financial support to voluntary agencies providing this service.

While occupational therapy services would be viewed as part of the multi-disciplinary team approach in the development and provision of services for people with mental handicap, there are no specific recommendations regarding the service in respect of this sector. However, the enhancement of support services generally, including occupational therapy, would be part of the overall development of services as outlined in my Department's report entitled Assessment of Need for Services for Persons with a Mental Handicap 1997-2001.

The role of occupational therapists in the care of the elderly is acknowledged in the framework document, The Years Ahead — a Policy for the Elderly. As part of my Department's plans to improve community based services for the elderly in the next few years, it is expected that funding will be provided for the recruitment of additional occupational therapists.