Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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177. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding therapy services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26409/14]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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178. To ask the Minister for Health when four extra therapists will be hired (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26410/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.

The Health Service Executive has recognised the need to increase the level of consistency and standardisation in the way services for children with disabilities are delivered. It is currently engaged in a reconfiguration of existing therapy resources to multidisciplinary geographic based teams for children as part of its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years).

The aim of the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People Programme is to achieve a national, unified approach to delivering disability health services so that there is a clear pathway to services for all children, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their disability.

The Programme is organised at national, regional and local level and includes representatives from the health and education sectors, non-statutory service providers and parents. An additional €4 million has been specifically allocated in 2014 to drive implementation of the Programme. This equates to approximately 80 therapy posts.

My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in respect of the specific local operational issue he has raised.