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.