Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of children under the age of six who have been assessed in accordance with the Disability Act 2005; the waiting list for such assessments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35790/07]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The National Disability Strategy, which was launched in September 2004, provides for a framework of new supports for people with disabilities. The Strategy builds on a strong equality framework, which is reflected in several pieces of equality legislation. The main elements of the Strategy are:

The Disability Act 2005;

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004;

Six Outline Sectoral Plans published by Government Departments;

The Citizens Information Act 2007

The Disability Act 2005

The Disability Act 2005 is a central element of the National Disability Strategy. The Act is a positive measure designed to advance and underpin participation by people with disabilities in everyday life.

Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 was commenced on 1st June 2007 for children aged under 5. This gives people with disabilities an entitlement to an independent assessment of health and education needs and a service statement identifying the services to be delivered. A system of complaints and appeals has also been established. An assessment based on the needs of a client, independent of the costs of the provision of service, will be provided. The HSE will prepare a service statement outlining the services to be provided to the person. This is a very welcome significant step towards enhancing the level of support to people with disabilities.

It is the first time that an independent assessment of need, conducted according to standards laid down and monitored by an independent agency, the Health Information and Quality Authority, will be available. The Act will also give us an accurate picture of service provision and of areas for improvement across the system.

The assessment of need process is a matter for the HSE and I have referred this matter to the HSE who will be in a position to provide information in terms of the numbers involved.