David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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817. To ask the Minister for Health in relation to section 13 of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, if he will since the introduction of the Act provide a list of the aggregate needs identified in assessment reports which have not been included in service statements as per section 13(1)(c); the total number of assessments made and number completed per section 13(1)(d); the total number of persons to whom services have not been provided to date, including ages and categories of disability as per section 13(1)(d); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19075/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As this question concerns detailed operational matters, it has been referred to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy, insofar as this information is available.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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818. To ask the Minister for Health in relation to section 13 of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, the total number of reports he has received from the Health Service Executive under section 13(2), regarding the aggregate needs identified in assessment reports, including an indication of the time periods required for the provision of same, sequence of provision and estimated cost; if he will provide details of same each year since the introduction of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19076/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Three reports under Section 13 of the Disability Act 2005, covering the years 2007, 2008 -2009 and 2010, have been received by my Department and subsequently published by the HSE, since this provision was commenced in mid 2007. The focus of these reports was on capturing core management data, including reporting on the number of applications for statutory assessments of need, the number of assessments conducted and on the most frequently required services highlighted in the assessment of need reports.

While improved management information systems were implemented by the HSE in 2011, following discussions with my Department, to collect additional data in relation to the assessment of need process, the Executive continues to face difficulties in reporting on aggregate need. For example, to meet this requirement, in the case of any individual child, clinicians involved in the assessment process and service delivery could be asked to try and work out the ideal service provision for the child. However, my Department and the HSE share the view that such an intensive process in relation to record keeping and reporting in a time of reduced resources, would risk diverting the attention of clinicians away from service intervention, to administrative duties, with no beneficial outcomes for children with disabilities.

It should also be noted that since 2007, there have been a number of significant developments in the delivery of disability services and the overall policy framework. Work is proceeding on reorganising services for children and young people into integrated, geographically-based multidisciplinary teams under the HSE’s Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People aged 0 -18 Programme. This will significantly improve the ability of the HSE to target resources to where they are most needed, in keeping with the spirit of Section 13 of the Disability Act. Under this new model, the focus is shifting from measuring inputs/outputs to measuring outcomes for the children involved.

The HSE is currently in the process of preparing a combined report under Section 13 for the years 2011 and 2012, which is at an advanced stage of drafting. This is due to be submitted to my Department in the near future. I also understand that the report based on activity in 2013 is at an advanced stage and will be submitted in the near future. My Department and the HSE will continue to work together to identify the most suitable recording and reporting arrangements to work towards meeting statutory obligations, but in such a way that is not overly bureaucratic or burdensome and reflects advances made in the sector.