Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
713. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 that outlines the main provisions of the assessment of needs process will be reviewed having regard to the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 that is currently under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32816/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that there are currently no plans to review the Disability Act.
However, the Department does keep its legislative programme under ongoing review.
In the context of improving services, the Department of Health is currently working with the HSE in order to bolster the capacity of the respective Children's Disability Network Teams throughout the country, in order to provide both Assessments of Need and quicker access to therapy supports than are currently available.
In this regard, HSE recruitment for therapy posts continues and there is ongoing engagement with the Heads of Disability Services across the nine CHOs to review service provision. In parallel, detailed discussions are ongoing with relevant stakeholders and representative groups in relation to a revised approach to the Assessment of Need, one which seeks to be both legally compliant and ensure a timely pathway to therapeutic interventions .
