Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
110. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the rights of disabled persons in receipt of a personal assistance service to take part in politics, policy and lobbying despite the fact that personal assistants may be funded through section 39 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28225/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 39 organisations are organisations funded by the HSE for the provision of services similar or ancillary to a service that the HSE may provide. The organisations are otherwise independent and are not considered part of the Public Service.
The HSE provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant (PA) Services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives.
PA Services are provided either directly by the HSE or through a range of voluntary service providers, including either Section 39 organisations. The majority of specialised disability provision (80%) is delivered through non-statutory sector service providers.
The provision of a Personal Assistant does nor bar an individual from lobbying or engaging in civil or political activity, and the Government ministers regularly meets with individuals who avail of a PA service.
Under the UNCRPD, people with Disabilities are afforded rights equal to those of anyone else, including political and social rights. Management of Irelands' adherence to the UNCRPD is carried out by the Department of Children, Equality, Disabilities, Integration and Youth.
My Department is not aware of any issues in relation to the rights of disabled people taking part in politics, policy or lobbying being affected by Personal Assistants being funded through section 39 organisations. If the Deputy has specific concerns surrounding this matter, I would be grateful if he could pass any relevant information on to my Department for investigation.
