David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she expects the development and implementation of the national standards for disability services as recommended by the National Disability Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9341/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department, in partnership with the National Disability Authority, NDA, has developed draft national standards for disability services, NSDS, in consultation with people with disabilities, their families, carers, service providers, the health boards-authority and other stakeholders. These standards are designed to ensure that services are provided to an agreed level of quality and that the level of quality is consistent on a national basis. It is proposed that the standards will apply to a range of services for people with disabilities as funded by the Health Service Executive.

The draft NSDS have been considered within the framework of the health services reform programme. A critical element in this process is the establishment of the health information and quality authority, HIQA. The chairman and board of the interim HIQA have been recently appointed.

Consequently, the draft NSDS have been forwarded to the interim HIQA for its consideration. The implementation process for the NSDS will necessarily involve an incremental process of planning, training and implementation over the coming years.