Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Several issues arise. The Taoiseach mentioned respite and residential places. Service providers, predominately section 39 organisations, used to apply to what is now the Department responsible for the environment, and now apply to the Department responsible for housing, under the capital assistance scheme, CAS, for funding. Many find it cumbersome and difficult to access funding where available. A long time ago, many residential places were rolled out under the scheme. This should be examined and made more streamlined so the service providers can access a direct source of funding.

The other issue is assessments of need, for which there is a huge waiting list, particularly affecting young children. It was suggested that funding be made available for parents to get assessments for their children privately. Is the Cabinet committee considering this?

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