Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
818. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health the regulations in place to ensure the quality of training received by service dogs to assist people living with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38139/15]
View answer819. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of complaints against a service dog training company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38140/15]
View answer820. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health the State support available to children and adults living with disabilities, whose doctors recommend the use of a service dog to improve their quality of life, or to increase their independence. [38141/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 818 to 820, inclusive, together.
The Minister for Health has no function in relation to legislation governing the definition or provision of assistance/service dogs for use by children or adults with disabilities. In accordance with the Disability Act and in the context of Government policy on mainstreaming, every Department has responsibility for disability within its own policy remit. Responsibility for existing legislation regarding the control of dogs, rests with the Department of Environment and Local Government.
The Department of Health does not commission the provision or training of assistance/service dogs for children or adults with disabilities and matters relating to specific dog training companies do not come within its remit. The Health Service Executive's (HSE's) focus is on the protection of core activities such as residential, respite, day and core-therapy provision. The provision of assistance / service dogs to people with a disability is not considered a core health service and is not prioritised for funding by the HSE.
