Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
1291. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the current status of the assessment of need provision under the Disability Act 2005; if he will outline a timeframe for extending this provision as per the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17181/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2006 a Cross-Sectoral Team was established to provide for a joint approach by the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Skills to the implementation of the Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Education Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004. The Team now includes a representative of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 provides disabled individuals with an entitlement to an independent assessment of need and a statement of proposed services to be provided, and allows them to pursue a complaint and, if necessary, make an appeal to the independent Disability Appeals Officer. Part 2 of the Act was commenced on 1 June 2007 in respect of children under the age of five. It had been intended to have both the Disability Act 2005 and the EPSEN Act 2004 fully implemented during 2010 for children and young people aged up to 18. However, in 2008 the then Government decided, in light of financial circumstances, to defer further implementation of both Acts. Notwithstanding this the Cross-Sectoral Team continues to meet to address issues of mutual concern for children with disabilities.
