Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2023
320. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the actions he has taken since April 2022 to ensure the recommencement of reports by the HSE pursuant to section 13 of the Disability Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2551/23]
View answerThe HSE has prepared and presented Section 13 Annual Reports for the years 2007 to 2021 to the Department of Health and has published same on its website.
In this context, HSE and Departmental officials are to meet in the near future to discuss the issue of Section 13 Reports in greater detail and how the Reports can provide enhanced information.
With regard to the delays experienced in furnishing reports for recent years, the HSE acknowledges that the current management information system is no longer fit for purpose in the context of technical changes in recent years as well as policy, operational practice and user requirements.
It is committed to the development of a new integrated Management Information System for children’s disability services. This system will include a dedicated module on the Assessment Of Needs process.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the delay in submitting Section 13 Reports to the Department of Health has not impacted on the HSE’s ongoing engagement with the Department on the requirement for additional resources for Children’s Disability Services.
These requirements for additional resources would have been submitted to the Department as part of the Estimates Process on an annual basis.
