Health Services Staff

Thursday, 10 September 2020

Ceisteanna (208)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

208. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if it will be ensured that the HSE provides backup services for clinical staff such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, speech and language therapists in cases in which a clinician is absent for most of their tenure and are allocated but not available and staff are on leave, for example, if a staff member takes paternal leave for a year and persons with a disability are deprived of a service and no provision is made for cover during the period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23048/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.

The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.