Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2017
43. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the overall level of support provided by the HSE to families in County Wexford with children suffering with intellectual disabilities and complex needs, including autism; his views on the over-reliance of the private sector in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48145/17]
View answerThe 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.
The HSE wants to assure the public that its community services are there to care and support. The welfare of patients, clients, service users and their families in Co. Wexford is important to the HSE, and the community services in Co. Wexford are doing their best within available resources to ensure that people have access to their services.
Children with intellectual disability are normally seen in the first instance by the Early Intervention Team which forms part of the Wexford Disability Services.
With regard to children with complex needs, priority is given to these children.
International research has shown that early intervention leads to better outcomes for such children. It is recognised that early intervention services and services for school-aged children with disabilities need to be improved and organised more effectively and this process is well under way. The HSE is currently engaged in a reconfiguration of existing therapy resources to geographic based teams for children (0-18 years). The objective of the new model of assessment and intervention is to provide one clear referral pathway for all children, irrespective of their disability, where they live or the school they attend.
Currently there are a number of key vacancies in the Disability Services in Co. Wexford. All posts are approved and are with the National Recruitment Services for permanent filling.
With regard to Autism specifically, at the request of the Minister for Health, the HSE is conducting a review of services across the country to identify existing models of best practice.
