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Disability Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2020

Thursday, 17 December 2020

Questions (506)

Mark Ward

Question:

506. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the person or body being prioritised for home-based supports at the present time; the criteria being applied to determine priority; the way in which this is likely to change over the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44450/20]

View answer

Written answers

The presence and threat of COVID-19 in Ireland has resulted in significant challenges for service providers, families and most importantly, people with disabilities. The Government and the HSE are aware that the changes in service delivery have resulted in significant stressors being placed on families and individuals with disabilities across Ireland.

Whilst the pandemic is ongoing, the Government continues to be committed to working to ensure that People with Disabilities be allowed to live an independent life of their own choosing, the same as any other person, and this is consistent with the disability reform policy - “transforming lives”.

The area of disability services is a priority area for this Government. To support people with a disability, significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services, and the Government has ensured that an additional €100 million is being provided for new disability measures next year under Budget 2021. In preparing for and responding to COVID-19 and to fully align with Public Health guidance as recommended via the NPHET, the HSE and its partner service providers put in place a range of measures, which included the prioritisation of vital Residential and Home Support services whilst curtailing or closing certain services such as day services, respite services, and certain clinical & therapeutic supports. The number of people in receipt of PA and Home Support services has remained steady throughout the pandemic. The number of PA hours provided up to end September 2020 (Q3) has exceeded the expected target as a result of additional PA hours being provided in lieu of other services and is on schedule to deliver NSP levels of service by year end. Home Support Services are slightly down on target to date, due to the complexity involved in the provision of services due to COVID-19.

Resource allocation is determined by the needs of the individual, compliance with prioritisation criteria, and the level of resources available. It is important to note that the level of service delivered is varied to ensure that each client’s needs are reflected. PA and Home Support Services are provided either directly by the HSE or through a range of voluntary service providers. The majority of specialised disability provision (80%) is delivered through non-statutory sector service providers.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

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