Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 203: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason respite services are being cut for persons with an intellectual disability on 28 February 2005 at a centre (details supplied); if this situation for the families will be ended and the 84 additional staff required for these services filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4678/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy is aware the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. To ensure the smooth transition and delivery of services I met representatives of the executive and representatives of the Order of St. John of God and discussed the issues.

Following a further meeting held on the 1 February 2005 between the Health Service Executive north east and St. John of God north east services, it was agreed to use the existing joint partnership forum to develop a strategy on how best to continue the implementation of the 2002 report to address the outstanding priority concerns regarding health and safety issues and critical staffing levels at St. Mary's residential services.

In the meantime, St. John of God north east services has undertaken to defer the decision around the suspension of respite service provision in St. Mary's. The Health Service Executive north east disability services and St. John of God north east services will arrange to keep parent representatives abreast of developments in the process. Both parties are hopeful of a positive outcome.