Michael Moynihan
Question:176. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when the transfer of disability services from his Department will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59349/21]
View answerFriday, 3 December 2021
Questions (176)
Written answers
Following the Government's announcement regarding the establishment of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Integration, arrangements are underway for the transfer of disability services to the new Department.
Given the scale of the transfer and the significant budget involved (c. €2.2bn in 2021), Human Resources, policy, legal and governance workstreams are underway within my Department to sequence the range of tasks necessary to effectively complete the transfer of responsibility. A Project Group has been created with representatives from both Departments to prioritise the project and senior officials have been assigned responsibility for this. Fortnightly bi-lateral meetings are taking place to ensure an efficient, collaborative approach to the overall programme of work. Relevant officials have also engaged with colleagues in the HSE.
Significant progress has been made. There is agreement as to the scale and scope of the services involved in the transfer. There was close cooperation between the two Departments in relation to the budget negotiations for 2022, which were led by my Department with strategic input from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Following significant engagement, a governance model has been agreed to ensure there is an appropriate legislative basis to provide for a robust accountability structure between the Health Service Executive and Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
On the 23rd of November 2021 Government approved the priority drafting of legislation, the Health (Amendment) Bill 2021, to enable the transfer. This work is progressing as a priority and the transfer will take place as soon as possible after the legislation is enacted.
Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 155.