Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2019
24. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the measures that will be taken to reduce waiting times for children awaiting assessment by early intervention teams in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20747/19]
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 HSE is aware of the waiting times for the Early Intervention Teams in Wicklow. Currently staff vacancies are filled where agency staff are available or where staff from the appropriate staff panels are available. There are specific deficiencies in terms of Psychology positions and continued attempts are made to fill such positions through agency deployment and outsourcing assessments where practical.
Government approved 100 additional therapy posts nationally as part of Budget 2019. These 100 posts are dedicated posts for the assessment of need process. Community Healthcare East (which incorporates Wicklow) was allocated 3.5 posts in the first phase of allocation. These positions are being filled at present.
The national Progressing Disability Services for Children & Young People programme will change the way services are provided across the country to make it equitable and consistent for all, Community Healthcare East had an anticipated implementation date of Q3/2019, senior management within Community Healthcare East have also engaged with key partners in the voluntary disability sector to improvement co-operation towards a joint approach to assessment. It is anticipated that this will bring a substantial improvement in assessment throughout for the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2019.
