Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Funchion for raising this important issue and for giving me the opportunity to outline the position on the resumption of services for adults with disabilities. I confirmed with Deputy Funchion's office earlier that the question relates to day services for adults specifically.

Since disability day services closed in March, as per public health advice, it has been especially challenging for those vulnerable members of our society. The HSE has been planning for the resumption of adult disability day services since the middle of May. A group representative of families, service providers and other relevant stakeholders was convened and tasked with the development of a resumption plan, that is, the roadmap Deputy Tully mentioned. Guidance to support the resumption of services, that is, the roadmap, was published on 8 July and sent to all the service providers. Adult day services will gradually resume during the month of August. Service providers are working to get day services ready to reopen safely and in line with public health guidance.

It is up to each of the 966 individual service providers to pinpoint their reopening date. Most service providers should already have been in touch with families at this point. It is expected that services will reopen during August and neither the Department nor the HSE has been informed of any services reopening later than this. Uncertainty is not acceptable for service users or their families. It only adds to the mounting stress they are already under. To make the reopening process more transparent for service users I have asked the HSE to create a web portal that will clearly outline when each service will reopen, the number of users able to avail of the service each day, and what alternate care plans will be put in place. Services have been asked to inform the HSE of this information later on today, seeing as we are here after 12 midnight.

The information from all 966 disability day services will then be collated and posted on hse.ie/newdirectionsfrom 4 August. While a full reopening of services would be ideal, Covid-19 has not gone away and we cannot put lives at risk as services reopen. Safety is paramount. We must protect our most vulnerable and this means all Covid safety guidelines must be followed. Unfortunately, this means capacity in day services will be reduced.

For the foreseeable future, supports provided from service user homes and remote supports will become a key feature of day service provision. However, the HSE is committed to maximising the support that can be provided within Covid-19 restrictions, and providers are exploring options such as the use of other community facilities to increase capacity.

The safety and well-being of people with disabilities is my utmost priority during the resumption of services. Where families experience significant challenges, and there are many, or where there is an emergency, the HSE and providers will work together to assist and support those families to the greatest possible extent. I genuinely acknowledge the many challenges experienced by individuals and their families over this very difficult time. Adult day services are a very important support for the 19,000 people with a disability who attend them on a regular basis, and their families. They will now have certainty that services will be reopening and reassurance that they will be guided by public health advice. I encourage individuals and families to keep in touch with their service providers.

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