Written Answers Nos. 178-84
178. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant community occupational therapy posts; the number of posts where a replacement has been sanctioned but remain unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13725/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of community occupational therapy posts which are vacant due to maternity leave; the number of posts where a replacement has been sanctioned but remain unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13726/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant community occupational therapy posts in Galway and Roscommon primary community and continuing care; the number of posts where a replacement has been sanctioned but remain unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13727/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra181. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of community occupational therapy posts which are vacant due to maternity leave in Galway and Roscommon primary community and continuing care; the number of posts where a replacement has been sanctioned but remain unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13728/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant community occupational therapy posts in Sligo-Leitrim primary community and continuing care; the number of posts where a replacement has been sanctioned but remain unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13729/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra183. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of community occupational therapy posts which are vacant due to maternity leave in Sligo-Leitrim primary community and continuing care; the number of posts where a replacement has been sanctioned but remain unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13730/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 178 to 183, inclusive, together.
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on these questions. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
184. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when the replacement schemes for the currently suspended motorised transport grant and mobility allowance schemes will be introduced; if the proposal for an alternative scheme has been brought to Cabinet; if such a proposal has been included on the agenda of the Cabinet sub-committee; if the proposals have been referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Draftsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13731/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraConscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of the Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance Scheme, in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes. The Government is aware of the needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments which support choice and independence. Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new travel subsidy scheme. Once policy proposals have been finalised and approved by Government, the time frame for the introduction of a new scheme will become clearer. The Health (Transport Supports) Bill is included in the Government's legislative programme for 2015.
The Department of Health is seeking a solution which would best meet the aim of supporting people with severe disabilities who require additional income to contribute towards the cost of their mobility needs, while remaining within the available budget and satisfying all legal and equality concerns. Although both schemes are closed, monthly payments of up to €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the scheme was closed, in order to prevent hardship and alleviate stress, anxiety and uncertainty among a vulnerable group in society.
