Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on introducing home care packages similar to those that have been successfully introduced for older people to persons with an intellectual disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20806/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to providing a high quality service to all people with a disability as illustrated by the substantial investment in the disability sector over the last number of years. An integral part of the National Disability Strategy is the Multi-Annual Investment Programme, published in December 2004, which contains details of specific commitments in relation to the provision of high priority disability services over the period 2006 to 2009. These commitments include the development of new residential, respite and day places for persons with intellectual disability and autism in each of the years covered by the programme. Additional funding was also provided to enhance the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services, available to adults and children with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities and those with autism.

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

Part 2 contains the health and education related elements of the Disability Act 2005 and the Department of Health and Children together with the Health Service Executive, the Department of Education and Science and the National Council for Special Education are working together on the implementation of Part 2.

In recognition of the importance of intervention early in life, which can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment, Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 commenced for children aged under 5 years with effect from 1 June, 2007. Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 provides people with disabilities with an entitlement to: an independent assessment of health and education needs; a statement of the services (Service Statement) which it is proposed to provide; pursue a complaint through the Health Service Executive complaints process if necessary; make an appeal to the independent Disability Appeals Officer.

Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 will be commenced in respect of children aged 5-18 in tandem with the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act (EPSEN) 2004. The Department of Education and Science has informed the Department that it is envisaged that all sections of the EPSEN Act 2004 will be implemented over a five year timeframe, with the assessment process as provided for in the EPSEN Act 2004 due to commence in 2010. The statutory requirements of Part 2 of the Disability Act will be extended to adults as soon as possible but no later than 2011.

In preparation for its implementation, health related support services for children aged 5 to 18 and adults will continue to be enhanced to enable the Health Service Executive to meet needs identified for this group.