Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020
372. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding the full restoration and preparation for the winter of day services, respite services and residential services for persons with disabilities, including children and adults with either physical or intellectual disabilities, in view of the fact that these measures are missing from the HSE winter plan 2020-21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27952/20]
View answerI was pleased to announce with Minister Donnelly this week that €10 million is being made available to support the resumption of day services and enhanced home support services for disability service users. As issues around the resumption of disability day services are COVID specific, funding was sought from the National Action Plan on COVID-19.
Of this €10 million, €7.5 million will increase disability day services by one day a week for over 14,000 adults. €2.5 million will provide 210 intensive support packages to enable children and young adults to remain at home and in their communities.
The additional funding will further support the resumption of day services, which began to gradually resume throughout August and September. However, it should be noted that capacity in day service locations will be reduced, in line with public health guidance. 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.
The Guidance to support the Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections. The HSE have also issued monthly communications updates for service users and their families, and the latest update, a video message from the Head of Strategy and Planning HSE Disability Services, is available at the above link.
An information portal that contains the dates on which the 966 disability day service locations reopened around the country is available. This information can be accessed at www.hse.ie/newdirections
With regard to respite services, the HSE’s A Safe Return to Health Services outlines a three phased approach to the return of health and social care services. In accordance with this plan, short-stay residential and emergency/residential respite re-opened from July to August with activity set to increase in the next two phases; September – November and December 2020 to February 2021. The main assumption underpinning this schedule is the level of illness and health service pressure caused by COVID-19. If this increases in later surges, the timelines in this document will change.
Residential settings are people’s homes as well as places where health and social care are provided, and so services and supports for those in long term residential settings continue. Where some regular activities for people with disabilities in long term residential care, such as attending separate day services, are curtailed, alternative supports are provided in the residential setting.
The Department of Health is very much aware of how difficult restrictions on visiting are for residents and their families, and it is hoped that re-introduction of restrictions can be minimised. As Dublin city and county has been placed on Level 3 of the Framework for Restrictive Measures, it is unfortunately the case that visits to long term residential care facilities are paused until Friday 9th of October, but service providers are asked to take account of exceptional circumstances and facilitate visits on critical or compassionate grounds where needed. All guidance is available on the HSPC website and reviewed regularly.
