Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Senator Kett is correct in his analysis of the differing roles of the two officers. As he has stated, the assessment officer has statutory independence to identify the individual needs arising from an assessment without regard to resources. The DLCG argued forcibly that the person carrying out the assessment should be statutorily independent of the person who provides the services. On the other hand, the liaison officer must take a range of practical considerations into account. He or she is a part of the HSE structure and must consider how needs can best be met with the resources available. He or she must take into account the practical limitations that exist in the provision of services. The two roles are fundamentally different and it is in the best interests of people with disabilities that they remain separate. This is not to say that the same person could not fulfil both roles at the same time, that of the assessment officer as a statutorily independent officer and that of the liaison officer. The DLCG's specific intention was that this distinction should exist.

Much effort has been made to ensure this does not become a bureaucratic system. In several meetings we have held with the HSE, the Department of Health and Children and the Department of the Taoiseach, the HSE was anxious to ensure this will not be a bureaucratic system but rather a seamless approach to the assessments, the work of the liaison officer, the preparation of the service statement and its implementation. In my discussions with the HSE, I am satisfied that its approach will be very person-centred and consumer-friendly and that it will be transparent and seamless. I am confident we will see all of this happening, as outlined in the regulations concerning how exactly the provisions of the Bill are to be implemented and what the roles and relationships of the people will be. I am satisfied that the Bill provides for these roles in the most effective way possible.