Mr. Mark O'Connor:

We understand that the time frame has been left to individual providers. We know from parents contacting us that some service providers have said 7 September, which it will have been almost six months before people are back, which is quite an extended period but this is the timeframe that we have been given by certain providers. It must be noted that the HSE document states very clearly at the outset that there are going to be reduced to supports for people. This obviously has a knock-on effect on family members who may be trying to get back to work or whatever the case may be. The family member with a disability will not receive a full quantum of service. This is very clear in the HSE documentation. Inclusion Ireland has also requested from the Minister that he puts in place a temporary Covid-19 payment so that private providers can secure additional premises to allow for social distancing, and if there are staff required in the short to medium term, to ensure that as many people as possible receive a service.

To be very clear, there have been very some very good examples of new ways of working that are very much in line with the HSE person-focused policy, New Directions. For people with the highest support needs, traditionally folk with severe and profound intellectual disabilities, face-to-face supports from support staff is the only care that will work for then. We ask that the Minister make available additional funding to the HSE, and HSE-funded providers to ensure that as many people as possible can get as much access as possible in a timely manner.