Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 27 April 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters

Rights-Based Approach and Disability Legislation: Discussion

Mr. Colm ? Conaill:

I will make a final point in respect of the emergency side when it comes to children. There is a degree of urgency around this, and a degree of importance being placed on this that we have seen since Bernard Gloster took over as CEO of the HSE on 6 March. Our Secretary General, Mr. Kevin McCarthy, met with the new CEO of the HSE and the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte. Most of the discussion has focused on the progressing disability service, PDS, roadmap, children’s issues and how we advance them. There is email contact every second day at very senior levels. There is very intensive engagement with the HSE on finalising a credible, strong roadmap. That is not stopping immediate action being taken either, but we will see decisive action under the roadmap that is being finalised urgently on the part of the HSE, and with strong input from Ministers and from the Department.