Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
723. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce new legislation or to amend existing legislation to clarify the definition of an assistance dog and to ensure there is the appropriate oversight and accreditation of the training of assistance dogs and their provision to persons with disabilities. [31666/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1126. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the legislation governing persons providing trained service dogs or training or both, where the dogs are intended to work with both adults and children with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32148/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1127. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the accreditation system in operation for those who supply or train, or both, service dogs, intended to work with adults and children with disabilities; the way such accreditations are measured or awarded; and if such service providers must be affiliated with particular professional bodies. [32149/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1128. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the legislation governing the definition of a service dog; the criteria which must be met in order to be certified as service dog; the criteria which must be met in order to supply and train service dogs as a commercial company in view of the need to ensure that the safety, rights and dignity of adults and children with disabilities are paramount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32150/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra1146. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce new legislation or to amend existing legislation to clarify the definition of an assistance dog, and to ensure there is the appropriate oversight and accreditation of the training of assistance dogs and their provision to persons with disabilities. [32279/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 723, 1126 to 1128, inclusive, and 1146 together.
The Minister for Health has no function in relation to legislation governing the definition or the provision of assistance/service dogs for use by children or adults with disabilities. The Department of Health does not commission the provision or training of assistance/service dogs for children or adults with disabilities. The Health Service Executive's (HSE's) focus is on the protection of core activities such as residential, respite, day and core-therapy provision. Provision of assistance/service dogs to people with a disability is not considered a core health service and is not prioritised for funding by the HSE.
In accordance with the Disability Act and in the context of Government policy on mainstreaming, every Department has responsibility for disability within its own policy remit. Responsibility for existing legislation regarding the control of dogs rests with the Department of Environment and Local Government.
