Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2016
481. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if the assessment of young persons in special needs schools in County Tipperary can take place a minimum of 24 months before they move on into the adult system at 18 years of age (details supplied); when this will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19257/16]
View answerIn November 2015 the National Project Group commenced an agreed process for addressing the needs of school leavers and those exiting rehabilitative training in 2016 that require HSE funded services and supports. This mechanism was developed following a review of the new streamlined application process put in place in 2015.
One of the most significant changes agreed by the Group was that a longer term plan to scope the needs of school leavers for the period 2017-2019 would be undertaken to identify the resources required over the next three year timeframe to address this annual need, this process commenced last April.
The Programme for Partnership Government commits the Government to ensuring that all 18 year old school leavers with intellectual and physical disabilities have continued education or training opportunities. To ensure these needs are met in 2016, €7.25 million was allocated by the HSE, at the beginning of the year, to provide appropriate services and supports to approximately 1,500 young people with disabilities and autism who will require continuing health-funded supports on leaving school or rehabilitative (life skills) training this year. In addition, a proportion of the additional €3 million secured for disability services in June will also fund new initiatives to meet the needs of this year's school leavers.
