Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
254. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his policy in relation to personal assistant services; the guidelines currently in place for personal assistant service providers in relation to hours and levels of service on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23143/13]
View answer255. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reasons personal assistant service guidelines are not standardised across the country instead varying from county to county; if he will consider establishing a standardised set of guidelines nationwide to ensure clarity and equal treatment within the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23144/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.
The role of a personal assistant is to provide personal assistance to an individual with a disability to enable her or him to live independently. The Health Service Executive provides a range of assisted living services including personal assistant services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives. In 2013, the Health Service Executive is seeking to maximise the provision of services within available resources and to maintaining a consistent level to that provided in 2012, by continuing to provide 1.68 million hours of Personal Assistant / Home Support Hours. The administration and operation of personal assistant services to people with a disability is a matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly the Department has asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
