Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
897. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the Dyspraxia Association of Ireland in relation to funding for 2014 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1646/14]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to ensuring the on-going delivery of vital services and supports to people with disabilities within available resources.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been provided with funding in the order of €1.4 billion this year to fund its 2014 disability services programme for children and adults with disabilities. The majority of this funding is distributed through non-statutory agencies who deliver over 80% of all disability services. There are in the region of 300 such agencies at present across the country that provide a significant and broad range of services for children and adults with disabilities in partnership with and on behalf of the HSE. It is important to note that many children and adults with a disability can be very effectively supported within mainstream child and adult health services.
Dyspraxia is a developmental co-ordination disorder that affects movement and co-ordination. For some children, dyspraxia can affect their learning capacity. For this reason they may require additional supports in the school setting to keep up with their classmates. A comprehensive range of supports is in place in our school system to supports these children.
From a health perspective, there are a number of therapies that can make it easier for people with dyspraxia to cope. These include speech and language therapy, to improve speech and communication skills, and occupational therapy to find ways to remain independent and complete everyday tasks. Such therapy services do not necessarily have to be delivered through specialist disability providers and are frequently accessed through Primary Care Teams and community therapy services.
The Dyspraxia Association is just one of a range of organisations around the country at present providing supports to specific diagnostic groups who do not receive regular HSE funding. Funding of these types of organisation is a matter for the HSE in the first instance and will be considered in 2014 in light of the resources available and the relevant service priorities.
