Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank colleagues for their contributions to this debate. It has been a valuable experience, as I have heard many good and different ideas and positive contributions. A number of Deputies proposed solutions to a number of the problems in our health services. The committee has significant potential to develop further solutions to some of the issues that have been raised in this debate and it can bring a clear plan to the House. As many Deputies stated, however, any recommendation from the committee must be implemented. Health is an important issue and must be placed at the heart of Government and Government policy. I will do my best to ensure that this happens.

The funding, reform and management of our health services are important matters. As such, I confirm my support for the motion establishing the committee on the future of health care. One of the motion's key aims relates to achieving the best health outcomes and value for money by reorienting the model of care towards primary and community care where the majority of people's health needs can be met locally. This is of particular importance in supporting people with disabilities. According to the motion, the committee will examine how to progress a changed model of care that advocates principles such as early intervention, self-management, greater use of primary care services and integrated care. These are important principles for any health system.

A key Government aim is to provide services and supports for people with disabilities that empower them to live independent lives, provide them with greater independence in accessing services of their choosing and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the programme for a partnership Government and is guided by two principles, namely, equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. As part of our commitment to equality of opportunity for all citizens, we will support people with disabilities in maximising their potential by removing barriers that impact on access to services, education, work and health care. Particular focus will be placed on supports at key transition points, namely, going to school; progressing to further training or education; commencing employment; and moving into new homes. These are key elements of our plans for the coming months.

This is a time of major change in the delivery of services and the Transforming Lives programme has already been embarked upon. I urge all Deputies to examine it. Meeting the needs of the individual is at the heart of our disability services and the aim of the Transforming Lives programme is to put people with disabilities at the centre of everything we do. Its implementation will mean a seismic shift in how disability services are funded and provided, moving choice and control from professional administrators to where it rightly belongs, that being, the individual with the disability and his or her family. Services and supports will be delivered with greater efficiency, transparency and accountability.

These issues are covered by the programme for a partnership Government but so is another important issue, namely, cystic fibrosis services. We will endeavour to ensure that everyone with cystic fibrosis will get a top-class service. Capital investment in emergency departments is also required.

To speak more broadly, I will discuss children with disabilities and people with serious illnesses. On page 56 of our programme for Government, we plan on extending medical cards to the approximately 10,000 children in respect of whom domiciliary care allowance is received. A number of Deputies rightly mentioned mental health services. We must bring further capacity to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, CAMHS. We need more 24-hour supports in primary and emergency care. We must consider those in our wider society who need our help. As such, the Government is examining the idea of increasing the disability benefit, allowances, carer's benefit and the blind person's pension. As Deputies probably know, the €1,700 respite care grant resumed this week after it was cut. Some 17,000 carers are on the register for this grant but there are many other carers who are not. My colleagues might highlight this fact. I am also considering the introduction of a new mobility scheme and since we are discussing reform, it is important that we ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The programme for Government contains many other things that we all want to do.

The new committee has the potential to cause a seismic shift in the long-term vision for health care and health policy. I look forward to the committee's development of a political consensus on a long-term plan for health services and the health of citizens, especially the most vulnerable in society.

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