Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
829. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the progress of the personalised budgets demonstration projects pilot; the number of disabled persons who have signed up in phase 1 and phase 2; the projected timeline for the completion of the demonstration projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36922/20]
View answer841. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the progress of the personalised budgets demonstration projects pilot; the number of disabled persons who have signed up in phase 1 and 2; the timeframe for the completion of the demonstrations projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36992/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 829 and 841 together.
There are currently 32 participants in the various stages of Phase 1 of the Personalised Budget Pilot Demonstration. This means that the pilot is running behind schedule. This is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which as I'm sure the Deputy is aware, resulted in the closure of disability services. The current Level 5 restrictions are also severely impacting with the Health Service Executive's (HSE) ability to meet with individuals and progress.
The Department of Health, HSE and National Disability Authority (NDA) recommended that a sample size of 180 Personalised Budget packages would be sufficient to demonstrate the models of Personalised Budgets, as set out in the report - Towards Personalised Budgets for People with a Disability in Ireland. In that regard there are many variables that need to be considered for testing within this sample size:
- Types of Disability - Intellectual Disability, Physical and Sensory Disability, Autism
- Complexity of Need - High, Medium and Low
- Models of Personalised Budget - Person Managed Fund, Co Managed with Service Provider, Broker Managed Fund
- Levels of Governance
- Elements of Disability Services - Personal Assistance and Home Support, School Leavers, Other Day Services, Respite and Residential
- Community Health Organisation delivery systems - 9 CHOs
Up to 180 adults with a disability will participate in the Personalised Budget Pilot Demonstration over two phases (2 x 90). The launch of Phase 2 of the pilot commenced on 27th July with a call for Expressions of Interest. The Expressions of Interest application deadline for Phase 2 closed on 7th September, with the HSE receiving 136 applications. As there was a pause in processing applications, due to COVID-19, applications are still being processed.
Applications were welcomed from adults with a disability that are currently in receipt of HSE funded services; provided either directly by the HSE or through the non-statutory sector (including day services, residential services, respite services, rehabilitative training or personal assistance) and young people leaving school in 2020 that have a commitment to a funded day service.
