Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 May 2014
650. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the number of the 80 additional therapy staff who have been recruited this year as part of the progressing disability services for children and young people programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21507/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has recognised the need to increase the level of consistency and standardisation in the way services for children with disabilities are delivered. It is currently engaged in a reconfiguration of existing therapy resources to multi-disciplinary geographic based teams for children as part of its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years).
The aim of the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People Programme is to achieve a national, unified approach to delivering disability health services so that there is a clear pathway to services for all children, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their disability.
The Programme is organised at national, regional and local level and includes representatives from the health and education sectors, non-statutory service providers and parents. An additional €4m has been specifically allocated in 2014 to drive implementation of the Programme. This equates to approximately 80 therapy posts.
As recruitment is a service matter for the Health Service Executive, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
