Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017
274. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of advocates employed in the national advocacy service for persons with disabilities; the ratio of advocates to persons with a disability nationally; the full-year cost of running the service; the estimated full-year cost of increasing the number of advocates by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21585/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) provides an independent, confidential and free issues-based representative advocacy service that works exclusively for the person using the service and adheres to the highest professional standards. NAS has a particular remit for people with disabilities who are isolated from their community and services, have communication differences, are inappropriately accommodated, live in residential services, attend day services or have limited informal or natural supports.
NAS operates with the following staffing complement:
|
National Manager |
Senior Advocates |
Advocates |
Regional Managers |
Administrators |
Corporate Services Manager |
|
1 |
7 |
28 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
The most recent reported figures (Census 2011) show that 13% (595,335) of people reported having a disability. Applying that finding to the most recent overall population figures available (Census 2016) suggests there could be 618,537 people reporting to have a disability. Therefore, the ratio of NAS advocates to the 2016 estimate of people with disabilities nationally is 1:17,672.
However, not all persons with a disability require the services of a NAS advocate. In 2016, 2,152 people engaged with NAS for advocacy services. Of these, 1,152 received once off information, advice and advocacy, with the remainder being casework. Therefore, the ratio of advocates to people who engaged with the service is 1:62. In addition, the NAS national helpline received 2,000 calls in 2016.
NAS is fully funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board (CIB), which has a mandate under the Citizens Information Act 2007 to provide advocacy for people with disabilities. The NAS operational grant from the Citizens Information Board for 2017 is €3.1 million. Based on 2017 costs, the following table shows the estimated cost if the number of advocates (including senior advocates) was increased by certain percentages, as requested by the Deputy.
|
Increase in number of advocates |
5% |
10% |
15% |
20% |
|
Full year cost |
€3,209,817 |
€3,316,590 |
€3,423,362 |
€3,530,135 |
These figures include estimated overheads (rent, light, heating) based on current costs and salaries based on an average salary points of both advocate and senior advocate roles. Additional administrative or managerial costs that may result are not included.
It is noteworthy that advocacy services are also provided by the nationwide network of Citizens Information Services (CIS), also funded and supported by CIB. CIS provides free, impartial and confidential information to the public on a range of social and public services. CIS supports clients, including those who may have a disability, to act on their own behalf wherever possible (self-advocacy). CIS also advocates directly on behalf of clients.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
