Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 6

Written Answers. - Day Care Nursing Services.

Joan Burton

Ceist:

227 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement in respect of the provision of services for 31 severely disabled persons currently receiving day services at the DEC, St. Vincent's, Navan Road, Dublin 7; and if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties posed for the children and their parents by the proposal to transfer day care services from his Department to the Department of Education and Science, thus resulting in a reduction of the nursing services essential to the care and well-being of these children. [14912/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

There are no proposals for the transfer of responsibility for the care and education of children and young people with severe or profound intellectual disability from my Department to the Department of Education and Science. These children have very complex needs and require a multi-disciplinary response involving both health related and educational supports.

Responsibility for the provision of health related support services is a matter for the health boards. The Department of Education and Science has responsibility for the provision of educational services. I am aware of the concerns of some parents in the provision of services to these children and assure the Deputy that my Department has been and will continue to work with the Department of Education and Science with a view to addressing these concerns.