Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
86. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has plans to improve access to personal assistant hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25773/23]
View answerThe Personal Assistant (PA) service was developed to provide a service for adults with physical disabilities that enables them to live their lives as independently as possible and take decision making control. The person with the disability either directly employs the PA or is involved in the process of selecting the PA to work with them. The person with the disability determines the support they need and the activities they need support with. PA and Home Support Services are provided either directly by the HSE or through a range of voluntary service providers.
The National Service Plan 2023 outlines the HSE’s commitment to deliver 1.77m hours of PA services this year. This represents an additional 70,370 personal assistant hours this year to expand and enhance the supports for people to live self-directed lives in the community.
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
