Skip to main content
Normal View

Services for People with Disabilities.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007

Tuesday, 9 October 2007

Questions (206, 207, 208, 209, 210)

David Stanton

Question:

288 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of assessments which have been carried out to date following the commencement of Part 2 of the Disability Act, 2005 for children under five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22885/07]

View answer

David Stanton

Question:

289 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of assessment officers appointed to carry out assessments under Part 2 of the Disability Act, 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22886/07]

View answer

David Stanton

Question:

290 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for an assessment of need that have been received following the commencement of Part 2 of the Disability Act, 2005 for children under five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22887/07]

View answer

David Stanton

Question:

291 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of liaison officers appointed to prepare service statements under Part 2 of the Disability Act, 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22888/07]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 to 291, inclusive, together.

A key element of the National Disability Strategy is the suite of six Sectoral Plans which were published by Government Departments last year. The Sectoral Plan for the Department of Health and Children sets out the actions to be taken to implement the Disability Act 2005.

The development of the Department's Sectoral Plan is an important opportunity to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are considered in all health policy planning and service delivery. The provision of health funded services to meet identified needs of people with disabilities continues to be a priority for the Government.

Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 was commenced on June 1st 2007 for children aged under 5. This gives people with disabilities an entitlement to an independent assessment of health and education needs and a service statement identifying the services to be delivered. A system of complaints and appeals has also been established. An assessment based on the needs of a client, independent of the costs of the provision of service, will be provided. The HSE will prepare a service statement outlining the services to be provided to the person. This is a very welcome significant step towards enhancing the level of support to people with disabilities.

It is the first time that an independent assessment of need, conducted according to standards laid down and monitored by an independent agency, the Health Information and Quality Authority, will be available. The Act will also give us an accurate picture of service provision and of areas for improvement across the system.

The assessment of need process is a matter for the HSE and I have referred this matter to the HSE who will be in a position to provide information in terms of the numbers involved, the appointment of assessment and liaison officers.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

292 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has proposals to change the eligibility criteria for qualification for the motorised transport grant as many people with severe disabilities are currently being denied this assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22892/07]

View answer

My Department issued a circular governing eligibility for the Motorised Transport Grant in March 2007. The grant may be paid by the Health Service Executive towards the purchase or adaptation of a car where a person with a disability requires it in order to retain employment. The current maximum rate of payment for this grant is €4,917.20 and is payable every three years.

If the Deputy has specific cases in mind perhaps she could contact the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE at 6352527 or pad@hse.ie, who will examine the case and respond to the Deputy.

Question No. 293 answered with QuestionNo. 230.
Top
Share