Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Health and Children

Mental Health Services

10:00 am

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a copy of the report of the review group on congregated settings; when this report will be published; if she will consult with service users, their families and service providers with regard to the recommendations of the report before implementing any recommendations; if she will ensure that the implementation of any recommendations in respect of the report involves an inclusive process which takes proper account of the need to protect and preserve the care, needs and requirements of service users currently in congregated settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29750/10]

Photo of John MoloneyJohn Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In 2007 the Health Service Executive (HSE) set up a Working Group on Congregated Settings to develop a national plan and change programme for transferring people with disabilities living in institutions into the community. It is expected that the Report will develop a framework based on best international practice and up to date research to guide the transfer of identified individuals from congregated settings to a community based setting.

The HSE has informed me that the Report of the Review Group on Congregated Settings is currently at an advanced stage of preparation. Among the issues under consideration by the Group is the setting up of a number of demonstration sites to validate the main recommendations on a proposed new model of service delivery. In addition to the Review on Congregated Settings, a HSE Review of the provision of Adult Day Services for people with disabilities has been completed.

My Department is also engaging in a Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services as part of the Government's Value for Money Reviews for 2009-2011. This in-depth review of Disability Services will assess how well current services for people with disabilities are meeting their objectives and support the future planning and development of services within the appropriate policy framework. 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 context.

All of these policy initiatives are being informed by principles of mainstreaming, community inclusion, independence and choice. A structured consultation process with all stakeholders, including service users and their families, will be an integral part of bringing these policy reviews and their recommendations to finality.

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