Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2017
399. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the school leaver's process and respite services for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49260/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
Health Service Executive (HSE) Disability Services engages in a detailed and person centred process with a wide range of agencies every year, to identify the most appropriate service provider and quantum of service, to meet the individual needs of each school leaver. This process takes place over a number of months and is led by the needs of each individual school leaver. In addition, HSE Disability Services also engages with individual school leaver families to listen to any concerns they may have regarding the process and works with both the families and agencies to seek an appropriate placement for the school leaver.
Currently day services are transitioning to a new approach outlined in the policy New Directions. Through the implementation of New Directions, work is on-going to develop a standardised pathway for all young people with disabilities and it is envisaged that this work will likely recommend earlier transition planning between educational and health care practitioners to facilitate a more seamless transition for these children and their families.
The changed day services that are evolving as a result of this new policy implementation will mean that school leavers entering day services in 2017 and in future years will experience the benefits of the New Directions approach to service delivery.
Interim Standards for New Directions have also been developed and will be phased in using a continuous quality improvement approach over the coming years.
As the remaining issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
