Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 82: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the proposals in place to work towards reaching the objectives and outcomes of the National Disability Strategy having regard to the vision and long term goals for people with disabilities as set out in Towards 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27884/07]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy may be aware "Towards 2016" is a ten year framework Partnership Agreement covering the period 2006-2016. This document provides an important and strategic framework for meeting the economic and social challenges ahead.

The vision for people with disabilities contained in this document is that of "an Ireland where people with disabilities are given the opportunity to live a full life with their families and as part of their local communities, free from discrimination". To achieve this vision it is necessary for the Government and the various parties involved in the agreement to work together over the 10 year lifespan of the Agreement to achieve its long-term goals with a view to continuing the improvements in the quality of life of people with disabilities.

A critical element of this process for my Department was the publication of its Sectoral Plan in July, 2006. While the Sectoral Plan was developed as part of my Department's responsibilities under the Disability Act, 2005, it nevertheless links into the requirements of "Towards 2016" and represents a commitment at all levels of the health service to access equity of service for people with disabilities. The Sectoral Plan document is only the first of a series of plans that will work towards achieving this goal.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Sectoral Plan document is currently being reviewed by my Department, in consultation with stakeholders, and the revised document will be published shortly. The Government's commitment to the ongoing implementation of the National Disability Strategy is restated as the focus for policy over the lifetime of the "Towards 2016" agreement. The designation of a Minister of State with responsibility for Disabilities and Mental Health and the planned establishment of an Office for Disabilities and Mental health will facilitate cross departmental working in areas of mutual responsibility and concern.

The new Minister of State for Disabilities and Mental Health has cross departmental responsibilities in the Departments of Health and Children, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Education and Science and Justice, Equality, and Law Reform. This cross departmental assignment is intended to reflect the Government's commitment to the mainstreaming agenda and to recognise that there are issues that are of particular relevance to people with disabilities which require a cross departmental response. This appointment is also in line with the sentiments contained in "Towards 2016".

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 83: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the proposals in place to identify the funding directed to disability specific services; if there are plans to separate the funding of disability specific services from mainstream services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27885/07]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy may be aware, the Government under the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 has allocated, in the Budget of each year of the Programme, a specific sum of money for services to persons with disabilities. It is a matter for the Health Service Executive to monitor and evaluate this allocation and to decide how best these monies are spent. 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.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 84: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her proposals to commit funding to the establishment of a resource support centre for voluntary disability organisations; her views on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27886/07]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The allocation of funding to agencies in the health sector is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) in line with Government priorities. Any decision to fund a centre as suggested by the Deputy would have to be examined in the context of (1) its potential to add value to the current HSE initiatives and (2) the work currently under way in the HSE in implementing the Comptroller and Auditor General's report No. 52 entitled "Provision of Disability Services by Non-profit Organisations".