Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Minister of State's comments and I fully understand the budgetary pressures the HSE is under. However, these service providers seem to be getting a lump sum payment, although it should be attached to the services they provide and the number of people concerned. In this case, they were providing the service but were told by the HSE that they should not do so, as it was not covered under the service level agreement. When I asked about this, I was told that they were entitled to the service based on a physical disability but not on an intellectual disability.

In one such case, the HSE originally funded the service through the Irish Wheelchair Association. Then the HSE said the person concerned was more suited to St. Joseph's, even though the HSE knew that St. Joseph's could not do anything for them. Another child has been granted three hours per week through St. Joseph's but the service cannot be provided because they are awaiting Garda clearance on somebody. It is now mid-November but if this delay continues for much longer the school year will be over. It is great that children with disabilities are integrated into mainstream schools, both for themselves, other children, the social environment and social cohesion. It is not good enough, however, that these three children to whom I referred cannot be supported when a child in a neighbouring constituency can obtain the service.

I fully accept the pressures that the HSE is under and I am also aware of all the constraints on Ministers and Ministers of State. However, the setback for these children at this early stage, due to the lack of a small amount of direction, seems to be enormous. Intervention is needed to try to resolve the issue immediately. I would appreciate the Minister of State's comments in this regard.

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