David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 950: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff who will be involved in the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005; the number of new staff who have been or will be recruited as a result of the commencement of the assessment process; the additional training provided to these professionals to assist them in conducting assessments; if the staff involved will be from the public or private sector; the breakdown of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3102/07]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 951: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department is on target to begin assessments under Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 in July 2007; the timescale for the commencement of assessments for the different age groups and the number involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3103/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 950 and 951 together.

The €900 million Multi-Annual Investment Programme announced in 2005 demonstrates that the needs of people with disabilities are a priority for the Government. The publication of the Sectoral Plan in July 2006 is further evidence of this commitment. The plan outlines the future direction of investment in services for people with disabilities. Specifically the plan outlines the arrangements for the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which provides for an independent assessment of need and a service statement, a complaints and an appeals system.

The arrangements for Part 2 of the Disability Act 2004 cannot be considered in isolation from the arrangements for the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004 which is the responsibility of the Department of Education and Science and provides for educational services for people with disabilities. Part 2 of the Disability Act will commence for children aged under 5 with effect from 1st June 2007. Part 2 will be commenced in respect of children aged 5-18 in tandem with the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004 and the statutory requirement of Part 2 will be extended to adults as soon as possible but no later than 2011. Regulations are currently being drafted by my Department to give full effect to Part 2 of the Act and I expect to sign the commencement order in this regard in the near future. From June 1st 2007 an independent assessment of need may be applied for in respect of all children under the age of 5 with a disability.

The operational aspects of Part 2 of the Disability Act are a matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.