Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1865. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his views on developing a version of the living well with dementia initiative for disability services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40793/22]
View answerThe Department of Health published the Disability Capacity Review in July 2021. This report set out the capacity requirements for health-funded disability services for the period up to 2032. In order to drive the process of implementing the recommendations of the Capacity Review, a Working Group was set up to develop an Action Plan for Disability Services for the period 2022-2025.
This Group, whose membership consisted of senior officials from the Departments of DCEDIY, Social Protection, Housing, Further and Higher Education, Health, and the Health Service Executive, has now completed its work and the draft Action Plan is currently being finalised for approval.
The capacity review provides detailed evidence of the extent of demographic and unmet need and provides detailed estimates of service and expenditure requirements for: residential care; adult day services; personal assistance and home support; multidisciplinary therapies; respite; and other community services and supports.
The Review accepts that significant investment across all health services over the period up to 2032 is required in tandem with a fundamental programme of reform, to develop a comprehensive Action Plan to develop services on a “whole of Government” basis to meet current and future needs for disabled children and adults.
Given that the Capacity Review will be the primary focus to develop disability services, there are no plans at the present time to develop an initiative as suggested by the Deputy.
