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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1999

Vol. 507 No. 3

Written Answers. - Support Schemes for Persons with Disabilities.

Richard Bruton

Question:

145 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason fresh medical certification is required by his Department in respect of support schemes for persons with acute disabilities in view of the fact that the conditions concerned are not ones which will change; and if some form of permanent certification will be issued to these persons particularly in view of the considerable practical difficulties caused by the need to present for examination and certification. [16900/99]

As part of the guidelines determining the eligibility for receipt of various support schemes for persons with disabilities, individuals are required to undergo medical assessment. When the assessment is carried out, the medical officer decides if the condition is likely to change at some later date and hence the medical officer will arrange for a medical review.

If the condition is considered permanent then a review may be carried out at periodic intervals based on the individual's needs and specific circumstances. These reviews are not carried out simply to determine the permanency of a recipi ent's condition but also to ensure that the services available and the care plan in place meet, to the extent possible, the needs of the recipient on an ongoing basis. Reviews are also necessary for the purposes of the health board's financial accountability.
Health boards are requested to carry out all reviews in a sensitive manner to minimise any distress to the recipients or their carers. However, if the Deputy is aware of a specific case requiring attention he should supply me with the details and I will arrange to have the matter investigated further.
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