Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1656. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) in respect of the consultation on draft regulations for providers of home support services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42559/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe are happy to address concerns you have raised on behalf of the Justice of Wards group relating to the public consultation on ‘draft regulations for providers of home support’. We in the Department of Health acknowledge that recipients of home support services are a diverse group of people and it is our hope that they have been represented in the 200 plus responses we received when the 7-week consultation closed on August 4th. The Institute of Public Health has begun to analyse responses, but it is estimated that over 50% were from individuals of which a significant proportion were service users or their relatives.
Organisational responses indicate a broad reach including Age Action, Alzheimer Society, Inclusion Ireland, SAGE, Family Carers Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association. We engaged with a large stakeholder communication list which included public, private and not for profit providers, health professional groups, trade unions and patient advocacy and disease specific support groups.
Survey links were shared through reminder email communication and home support providers were asked to share this information with service users. On the Department of Health website, we made available the draft regulations in easy read and plain english versions and the survey was designed to accommodate those who did not wish to answer all of the questions. Contact details were provided if further information required.
With the support of the Disability Partnership Consultation Network, information sessions were facilitated online in order to engage service users that may have otherwise found it difficult to express their views. We have also facilitated presentations to the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group and to other groups.
The perspective of those who use services is important to us. All responses received will inform amendments to the regulations which will enhance the quality of home support services by introducing minimum requirements. If the Justice for Wards group require any further information, they can make this request by emailing HSRConsultation@health.gov.ie.
