Written answers

Wednesday, 18 May 2005

Department of Health and Children

Services for People with Disabilities

9:00 pm

Photo of Dan NevilleDan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the practice whereby five persons are paid between €50 and €80 per week for working approximately 30 hours at a training centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24 under HSE supervision will be examined. [16586/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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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. This includes responsibility for rehabilitative training. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

It is possible that the individuals referred to by the Deputy may be in sheltered work or sheltered occupational services rather than rehabilitative training. Sheltered occupational services for people with disabilities are managed in the main by voluntary organisations, with financial support from the Health Service Executive. Such services usually comprise a combination of structured occupational activities and support services for people with disabilities who require a significant amount of flexibility, time and personal support.

The status of people in sheltered services or sheltered-supported employment is being considered by my Department in consultation with the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Finance.

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