Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Amendment No. 16 seeks to insert a further ground of complaint in regard to the contents of the assessment. As I stated last week, any person who considers he or she has a disability can apply for an assessment, as outlined in section 9(1). Those who apply for an independent assessment will therefore receive one. Otherwise, there is a ground for complaint under section 14(1)(a).

In regard to the content of the assessment report, I am satisfied it will reflect the outcome of an independent assessment process. It would be carried out without regard to the cost of providing the services identified and in accordance with standards devised by the new independent body, HIQA, the health information and quality authority. The HIQA interim board is in place since earlier this year when it was launched by the Tánaiste. I am confident that this new and independent body will play an important role in supporting a quality assessment delivery. If standards are not complied with, there are grounds for complaint by an applicant and the HSE can be instructed to conduct a further assessment.

The standards will relate to the content of the assessment among other things. They will play an important role in ensuring a proper level of quality standards across the spectrum so that everybody can expect to be treated equally. The reassurance for applicants is that all assessment officers will be required to work to the same set of standards so there should be no regional or local variations.

The assessment will be undertaken by persons with relevant expertise and they will be required to note the applicant's views concerning needs and preferences for services. I assure Senator Kett that assessment officers will be appropriately qualified and trained. That is not to say that existing personnel within the HSE sector would not be capable of carrying out this work. Clearly there will be training requirements but, by and large, I am satisfied there will be appropriately qualified people within the HSE to carry out both the assessment and the service statements.

I have considerable sympathy with the views expressed on Committee Stage in regard to this amendment. I share the Senator's concerns that there should be safeguards to ensure the assessment is accurate and objective. However, I must insist that the Bill as constructed already deals with this issue. I reiterate that the whole ethos of the assessment process would be to try to address the needs of individuals to their satisfaction. Consequently, I do not consider there is a need for an amendment of the nature proposed and do not intend to accept the amendment.