Disability Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023

Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Questions (539)

Duncan Smith

Question:

539. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the commitment made in May 2023 in response to the Labour Party motion on Autism & Disability services, by Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, regarding the rolling-out of HSE health regions by the end of August 2023; if she will be bringing to Budget 2024 the roll-out of the State covering the cost of patients accessing autism and disability services and treatment through the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42433/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Following my commitment in May of this year, Regional Assessment Hubs have now been established in each CHO. The Hubs are designed to provide a dedicated assessment function and seek to preserve the Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) so that each team can continue to deliver therapy services. I am keen to establish the effectiveness of the Hubs and I am continuously engaged with senior leadership in the HSE on these and other issues.

The Department recognises the financial challenges for many families in the context of the delays in accessing assessments and therapies for their children. It is for this reason that the HSE has been allocated over €11.5m in funding in Budget 2023 for the outsourcing of assessments. The ability of the HSE to outsource assessments can greatly assist the enhancement of CDNTs by way of ensuring they have time and capacity to conduct therapy interventions rather than solely concentrating on assessments.

I am keeping an open mind on any option that may assist in benefiting families of children with complex needs and I am actively working on measures to reduce waiting lists, ensuring that children and families are at the forefront of consideration of the HSE.