Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The question asked by Senator O'Rourke is being actively discussed at present. The HSE is currently preparing the regulations which will govern the implementation of this Bill. Clearly, adequate provision of professionals, such as therapists, for assessment purposes must be put in place. That is being planned at present by the HSE.

On the related question of the shortage of speech therapists, occupational therapists and so forth, the Senator will be aware that an increasing number of courses are being organised in third level colleges and universities to increase the number of places and, consequently, the number of graduates across the spectrum of therapies. In addition, an aggressive campaign is being conducted around the world by some of the service providers to attract such professionals into Ireland. We already have a number of professionals from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, the United States and Canada. There has been a significant increase in the number of professionals employed in this country to cater for intellectual, physical and sensory disability. I am satisfied that resources are being put in place and that there is a will to increase significantly the number of professionals. However, there is still a significant requirement.

With regard to the assessment process, the intention is to utilise, as far as possible, existing resources in the sector. It is not our intention to create a new bureaucracy surrounding assessment or the assessment of individuals for the purpose of the assessment statement. It is intended that the comprehensive assessment provision already in place would form part of the mechanism for the preparation of assessment statements. This is being dealt with in detail at present and there have been several meetings between my Department, the Department of Health and Children and the Department of the Taoiseach on the necessity to roll out the regulations as quickly as possible so everybody can see what the practical implementation of this Bill will be about. When the regulations are agreed they will be placed before the Houses of Oireachtas, when there will be an opportunity to debate them.