Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 May 2023
204. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his response to the finding of a report (details supplied) concerning children’s disability services that “families feel they are deliberately held in the dark with 45% believing poor communication is an obstacle to service provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23606/23]
View answerBoth I and the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth acknowledge the FUSS report and in particular the findings related to communication between the HSE and families.
The way in which a family are informed that their child has a disability is an important and sensitive task. For that reason, the Department has sought a focus on communications as one of the parts of the PDS Roadmap. The Roadmap is being finalised at present and I look forward to specific improvements being introduced to assist communications within the HSE and between the HSE and families. Part of this will involve a specific focus on how the vast array of information is presented and structured to families who require relevant, timely and accessible facts and guidance.
