Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 15:

In page 12, subsection (7)(b)(iii), lines 3 to 8, to delete all words from and including

"considered" in line 3 down to and including "provision" in line 8 and substitute "listed in order of importance, which are considered appropriate by the person or persons referred to in subsection (2) to meet the needs of the applicant and the period of time required by the person or persons for the provision of each of those services and the order of such provision, giving preference to services which are most needed by the applicant".

I wish to first address the content of amendment No. 16. In a situation where an individual's needs have not been fully met, a statement of outstanding needs that cannot be currently met should be provided. Furthermore, the statement should specify the date by which a review of the assessment should be carried out, within a period not exceeding 12 months from the date of the previous assessment or whenever there is a change in circumstances or condition, either for the person being assessed or in available resources.

This is an important provision. If we cannot provide all of the services that a person needs, a statement of outstanding needs should be drawn up and another statement should set out a timeframe for the delivery of the services to address those unmet needs. One can visualise a situation where a person is told that all of his or her needs cannot be met because of funding difficulties. It is important that we provide a system whereby a written statement is made detailing the outstanding needs and providing a timeframe within which those needs will be met. Amendment No. 15 addresses the same issue.

We should prioritise the remaining needs. If needs have not been met and funding restrictions mean that they cannot be met in the immediate term, then it is important to list and prioritise such needs. This would assist the individual and those caring for him or her. It is an obligation that should be imposed on the State, namely, that whatever needs are not met are listed and prioritised and a timeframe is provided for their delivery.