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

I thank the Deputy for the question. First, the HSE is rolling out the progressing disability services for children and young people programme. This programme entails the reconfiguration of all current HSE and HSE-funded children’s disability services into geographically based children’s disability network teams. The programme aims to achieve a nationally equitable approach to service provision for all children based on their individual need and regardless of where they live or where they go to school. That is an important part of the plan. Some HSE areas have already reconfigured into interdisciplinary children’s disability network teams. Thus far, a total of 56 networks are in place. The remaining 82 teams are developing their reconfiguration and implementation plan and will be reconfigured in 2018. HSE areas currently planning reconfiguration continue to have significant early intervention and school age services in place, provided either directly by the HSE or by the voluntary service providers funded by the HSE. A key enabler to the establishment of the remaining children’s disability network teams is the recruitment of children’s disability network managers. The grade and role for this post has been agreed. However, following the outcome of a protracted industrial relations process with Fórsa, a process of mediation is currently ongoing with the relevant lead agencies, including key voluntary providers, to agree a path forward for recruitment for these posts. This process is due to conclude shortly, following which it is hoped the recruitment process will commence. In parallel with the recruitment of network managers, work is proceeding between HSE national disabilities and the HSE estates on enhancing accommodation options for children's disability network teams.

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