Written answers

Tuesday, 25 June 2013

Department of Health

Health Services Issues

Photo of Patrick NultyPatrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent)
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606. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 716 of 14 May 2013, if he will provide the details of the six month plan, to address significant factors impacting on the Early Intervention Team and the Assessment of Need process within North West Dublin, agreed by the implementation team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30662/13]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The HSE is currently engaged in a reconfiguration of existing therapy resources to geographic based teams for children (0-18 years). This Programme is based on the recommendations of the Report of the National Reference Group on Multidisciplinary Services for Children aged 5-18 Years (2009) and its objectives are one clear pathway to services for all children with disabilities, according to their need; available resources used to the optimum benefit for children and their families; equity in access to services for all children with disability across the country; health and Education sectors working together and in partnership with parents to support children in achieving their potential; national access criteria to three levels of service defined for consistency and clarity of pathway.

The purpose of the reconfiguration of existing therapy resources is to ensure that the resources available are used to best effect, in order to provide health supports and ongoing therapy to all children (0-18 years), in line with their prioritised needs. In particular, it will mean that all children, regardless of where they receive their education services will have equitable access to services based on their needs.

The programme is supported by a National Coordinating Group which has representatives of parents, Inclusion Ireland, Disability Federation Ireland, National Federation Voluntary Bodies, Not for Profit Business Association, HSE, Department of Health, Department of Education and Skills, National Education Psychologists Association and the National Council for Special Education. There are 4 regional coordinating groups and Local Implementation Groups (LIGs) which include representatives from parents, health and education working together to see how current services can be reorganised in line with agreed policy.

I understand that the HSE has already advised the Deputy in response to an earlier PQ, that a six month plan to address significant factors impacting on the Early Intervention Team and the Assessment of Need process within North West Dublin has been agreed. As this is a service matter for the HSE, I have referred this subsequent question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy, so that the detail of this plan can be provided directly to him.

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