Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has received the Report of Findings of the Muscular Dystrophy Ireland National Survey 2009; her views on the needs identified in this report including the need for improved access for persons with muscular dystrophy to multidisciplinary muscle clinics to ensure that they are able to access specialists to help manage their condition, the need for improved processes for applications for aids and adaptations, and the need for enhanced provision of respite care and personal assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5877/10]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I have met with Muscular Dystrophy Ireland on a number of occasions and I have discussed a range of issues with the organisation and their members including the provision of services.

The Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive have established a Working Group to develop a policy and strategy for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services. The Working Group's terms of reference included the development of an appropriate policy framework for rehabilitation and a preferred model of care for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services to people with neurological conditions and other significant physical conditions, including people with muscular dystrophy. A report is expected in the first half of 2010.

The Government is also undertaking a review of the efficiency and effectiveness of the health and personal social services for people with disabilities in Ireland. This review is part of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review programme for 2009 - 2011. This in-depth review will assess how well current health and personal social services for people with disabilities meet their objectives. The evaluation will focus on the current provision of disability services and explore the way forward for the development of services within a value for money and policy framework. The objectives of the review are to examine disability services in Ireland funded by the Health Service Executive, deliver a comprehensive analysis of data in relation the services and service providers and review current policy objectives and provide policy objectives for further service provision. A structured consultation process with both service users and service providers, including people with muscular dystrophy, is an integral part of the review. It is expected that the review will develop proposals to achieve optimal effectiveness and efficiency within the existing substantial resources expended on health and personal services for people with a disability and also support the future planning and development of services.