Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I, too, have come across very similar cases to those he mentioned, so I very much understand the challenges there. Finally, I thank the Senator for raising this important issue for discussion today. It is acknowledged that there are differences in the delivery of personal assistant services around the country. The Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026 commits to a policy review of personal assistant services in light of the UNCRPD with a working group involving key stakeholders and disabled persons' organisations. The Senator may be aware of the personal assistance review group established by the HSE. The purpose of the personal assistance, PA, review group is to develop a protocol for the eligibility and allocation of PA services based on a universally agreed definition in collaboration with the Minister of State's Department, people with disabilities and service providers.The terms of reference of the group are: to carry out a comprehensive review of current personal assistance service delivery; identification and evaluation of best practices in personal assistant services from a national and international context; an examination of the legal and regulatory framework governing personal assistance service in Ireland, identifying any gaps or areas of improvement and providing recommendations for legislative policy or changes; and a comprehensive report outlining a roadmap for the improvement and enhancement of personal assistance services. In respect of the personalised budget demonstration project, it is expected that the pilot will move towards evaluation in 2024.

I accept what the Senator is saying in that the ageing population is increasing. Within five years, there will be more than 1 million people in that cohort and we will have more challenges. Therefore, it is important that we have the correct structure in place as well.