Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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571. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding issues raised by persons with intellectual disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49680/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I note that the issues in question were raised by people with intellectual disabilities at a workshop on how the Irish Government works, run by the National Anti-Bullying Advocacy Group in the National Institute for Intellectual Disability at Trinity College. I want to commend the participants for taking the time to discuss this very important topic and for summarising their views for me. I would like to assure the participants that I have read their submission very carefully and have taken on board the points made, which are clustered around the following issues:

- the cost of having an intellectual disability in Ireland;

- bullying;

- having more choice and control over services; and

- housing and respite services.

Many of the points made in the correspondence touch on the responsibilities of a number of my colleagues as well as myself, and I will make sure that my colleagues are made aware of these views. This is a time of major change in the delivery of health-funded disability services in this country, as described in the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services in Ireland,and will result in shifting choice and control from professionals and administrators and giving it back to the individual with a disability, and his or her family.

One of the working groups established by the Health Service Executive to drive this change is examining how best to ensure that service users have a meaningful voice and role in service design and delivery – this working group is chaired by the Chief Executive of Inclusion Ireland. Other working groups are addressing issues such as the transformation of day and residential services from services which were mostly delivered in segregated group-based settings into individualised and person-centred services, delivered in the community.

By working in partnership we will achieve maximum independence, choice and inclusion for people with disabilities and we will realize the vision of a more equitable service for everyone, where services and supports will be tailored to meet individual need while at the same time being provided in an accountable and cost effective manner.