Disabilities Assessments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018

Tuesday, 18 September 2018

Ceisteanna (467)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

467. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to delays for parents in accessing an assessment for their child or children with needs or exceptional needs in south-western areas of Dublin; the number of children awaiting an assessment and subsequent diagnosis; the efforts being made to reduce the timescale; the number of children meeting the three month deadline; the number over that time limit; the exceptional cases that are awaiting assessment; the number that have reached the deadline of six months; and the number of children exceeding the six month deadline. [37339/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The 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.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.