Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 84: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to provide interpretive services in hospitals for aurally impaired citizens, because there are no such services at present, in view of the fact that the HSE has agreed to extend interpretive services for non-nationals in hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9427/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The HSE has provided access to interpretation services for aurally impaired citizens in hospitals. A survey carried out in June 2007 among all hospital groups found that, when required, interpretation services are provided directly by contracting the services of approved sign language practitioners; a number of hospitals have identified staff members with a knowledge of medical terminology who can use sign language; a number of sign language interpreters have been trained to work in hospitals; and arrangements have also been made with the National Association of the Deaf to provide interpretation services, when required and if available.

The HSE is obliged, under the provisions of the Disability Act 2005, to make its services accessible to people with disabilities, in as far as is practicable. In general, responsibility for ensuring that health services are accessible rests with local service providers. The sectoral plan prepared by the Department of Health and Children under the provisions of the Disability Act contains a range of measures to be taken by the HSE in this regard, including the designation of access officers, as set out in Part 3 of the Disability Act.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister of State's reply is completely unsatisfactory. It is completely unacceptable that in 2008 we are dependent on volunteers and volunteer staff members to be available, on a haphazard basis, to assist in interpreting for people with hearing difficulties. Surely there are not so many hospitals that we cannot appoint to them properly accredited people to act as interpreters. The services of such interpreters could be shared among hospitals. Surely we should have properly appointed officers in place and we should not be dependent on volunteers or the goodwill of staff.

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the one year review of the sectoral plan, which was set down in the Disability Act 2005, the HSE has committed to put in place access officers who will develop and deliver an appropriate training programme. This will ensure consistency across the health system in 2008. The key actions and timeframes relating to these access officers are the appointment of a national specialist in accessibility by the HSE by March of this year; the putting in place of a plan for the designation of access officers by September; and the commencement of the designation of said officers will take place by the end of the year.

I understand that the national assistant director with responsibility for disability currently chairs a group, the function of which is to provide support and advice and monitor compliance with the legislation. The post of national specialist in accessibility is currently being processed by the Public Appointments Service.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister is reading out gobbledegook provided by officials at the Department of Health and Children. What is an access officer? We want interpreters to be appointed in order that patients might have their consultations and clinical examinations carried out in a meaningful fashion in order that people will not be misinformed and to avoid misunderstandings. Will the Minister of State indicate the nature of an access officer's job? It seems that such officers will be responsible for arranging certain things but a commitment has not been given in the context of appointing interpreters.

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The remit of access officers is clearly set out in Part 3 of the Disability Act 2005. I am sure the Deputy can, like any other Members, seek out that information.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is very useful.