Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1344. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health his views on the situation in which adult day care centres for persons with disabilities are not implementing their new programmes for service users and in some cases are only providing between 1 to 3 days out of 5 although they are receiving funds for the full 5 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25973/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE began planning for the resumption of adult disability day services in May, and services have now resumed nationwide. Public health guidance was specifically developed to underpin the safe resumption of services, and this guidance was published in July.
The guidance developed to support the resumption of adult day services has had to take account of social distancing rules which has meant that there is a reduced number of people in each service location. This means that, when day services re-opened they re-opened at approximately 40% capacity. However, the HSE is committed to maximising the support that can be provided within these restrictions.
The government will be investing an additional €100 million in new initiatives in 2021, bringing the total disabilities budget to around €2.2 billion. Regarding day services specifically, this additional investment will build the capacity of our adult disability services nationally, and will increase day services by one day a week, for those whose services were reduced due to COVID-19. It will also support around 1,700 young people who leave school and training programmes in 2021.
This is in addition to the €7.5 million being made available to support the resumption of day services which I announced in September.
The HSE gathered data at the end of September on the quantum of services currently being provided to individuals, and this will act as a baseline to track additional service levels.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
