Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In response to the Senator's first question, it is anticipated the review will be completed by the end of this year. On the second question, network teams will be put in place in relation to the progression of disability services. Progressing disability services is about reconfiguring the entire service in this area. Up to about two years ago, funding was provided to various organisations to deliver the service. They then delivered the service to children who had signed up to their services. In the context of progressing disability services, we are now developing network teams in the communities such that children and their parents no longer have to sign up to a particular service, although they may do so if they wish. This process will take time. We need to first identify the areas in which the gaps are greatest and to then allocate posts to areas of greatest need. The network teams will be built up over time and will be able to deliver a service at community level for all people with disabilities rather than, as was the case in the past, only those who had signed up to a particular service.

If we are serious about main-streaming this is the way we need to go. Progressing disability services is not as advanced in some areas as it is in others. The Senator will note from my earlier reply that Cavan-Monaghan is currently building such a structure. In terms of Government policy in this area, this is the route we are going. Not only is this Government policy, there was no opposition to it when initially presented. Cavan-Monaghan is in the process of building that structure.Where it is in operation and working well, it is working extremely well. I am very hopeful for the future.