Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
53. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will address a series of matters (details supplied) regarding additional supports to children and adults with disabilities and complex needs who have been impacted by the restrictions that have been in place since March 2020. [22356/20]
View answerAdult day services are a very important support service for the 19,000 people with a disability who attend them on a regular basis, and their families. As the Deputy will be aware disability day service locations closed in March.
The vast majority of services have now reopened with the remainder due to reopen over the coming weeks.
When day services resume, capacity in day service locations will be reduced, however, the HSE and service providers will keep this measure under review and as public health guidance evolves, capacity to provide supports will adapt accordingly. Both the HSE and service providers are committed to maximising the support that can be provided within these restrictions.
For the foreseeable future, remote supports and supports provided from service user homes will become a key feature of day service provision. The HSE and service providers will work to support families that are experiencing significant challenges.
Children’s Disability Services were stepped down in March 2020 in line with Government recommendations to minimise the spread of COVD-19. Through the pandemic, services continued to be provided in the most practical ways possible, especially to those children with the highest prioritised needs.
At the end of July, the HSE issued the Guidance to Support Resumption of Children’s Disability’s Services to its individual Community Healthcare Organizations. The Guidance clearly maps the pathway to access of services and supports.
