Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 560: To ask the Minister for Health in view of the fact that there are approximately 350 child deaths and more than 1,400 children living with life limiting or threatening conditions in Ireland each year, if he will consider State funding for LauraLynn House, Ireland's only children's hospice, based at the Children's Sunshine Home, Leopardstown, Dublin [27799/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care (2001) published in 2001, highlighted the need for a review of children's palliative care services. A Palliative Care Needs Assessment for Children was undertaken and the results published in 2005. The findings of the needs assessment in Ireland were consistent with those undertaken in other countries.

A key finding of the assessment was that the preferred location for caring for children with life limiting conditions is the family home, with parents receiving adequate professional support. Following on from the Report, 'Palliative Care for Children with Life-Limiting Conditions' – A National Policy was launched in March 2010. Ultimately, this policy aims to ensure that all children with life-limiting conditions will have the choice and opportunity to be cared for at home. In line with the key findings of the Palliative Care Needs Assessment for Children, this policy prioritises community based care for palliative children.

The priorities for Palliative Care for this year are as set out in the agreed HSE Service Plan 2012. As the specific issue raised by the Deputy is, in the first instance, a matter for the HSE, I have referred the question to the Executive for direct reply.