Services for People with Disabilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (1335, 1342)

Finian McGrath

Question:

1335. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the young adults attending Stewart's Care in Palmerstown, Dublin 20 and protect their services. [37282/13]

Gerry Adams

Question:

1342. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if a decision has been taken to cut funding from a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 20; if clients of the service who turn 18 will be refused services at the hospital from December; if he will outline the level of the funding cut backs and the level of service reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37307/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Kathleen Lynch)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1335 and 1342 together.

I recognise the importance of life-skills training and day support services to young people with disabilities who have left the education system and its importance to their future progression. Every effort is being made within available resources to provide services to all 2013 school-leavers and I have been monitoring the position closely. Service providers and the HSE are working closely together to identify how the needs of those individuals who still require day services or training places in 2013 can be responded to within available resources and the Health Service Executive (HSE) has kept me informed of progress in that regard on an ongoing basis in recent months.

The HSE has confirmed that Stewarts Care have agreed placements with all families that fully meet the needs of the young people who are completing their education this year at Stewarts Care. This has come about as a result of reconfiguration of services and on-going dialogue between the HSE and Stewarts Care. I understand that families have confirmed their satisfaction with the services offered.

For a period before these placements were confirmed, Stewarts Care had indicated to families that only a part-time placement would be available to eleven school-leavers and that the position would be reviewed at the end of the year. The purpose of this review was intended to provide individuals waiting on additional services with a more satisfactory service as soon as resources permitted and not with a view to reducing the level of service offered.

With regard to the level of the funding cut backs and the level of service reduction, I have arranged for this part of the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.