Health Services Staff Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2017

Wednesday, 3 May 2017

Questions (34, 71)

Bríd Smith

Question:

34. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures he has taken to address the significant shortfall in occupational therapist and speech and language therapists to provide the inputs for children with disabilities outlined in the service statement under the Disability Act; the way he plans to remedy this staff deficit, including the increased deficit which would occur if statutory deadlines were kept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20805/17]

Bríd Smith

Question:

71. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures he has taken to address the significant staffing deficit leading to failure to keep to statutory deadlines for assessment and reporting on needs under the Disability Act; the way this staff deficit will be remedied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20804/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 71 together.

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.