Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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355. To ask the Minister for Health the action he is proposing to take further to his recent meeting with Our Children's Voice, a group of mothers from County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6748/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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In 2010, the Department of Health published "Palliative Care for Children with Life-limiting Conditions in Ireland - A National Policy". The report contains 31 recommendations which are being implemented under the aegis of the National Development Committee which is a multi-stakeholder representative group, chaired by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The national policy provides the framework for the development of services for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The policy places significant emphasis on supporting families and health care professionals to provide care for children in their own homes.

A programme of care for children with life-limiting conditions is being jointly funded by the HSE and the Irish Hospice Foundation. The programme includes the appointment in 2011 of the first Paediatric Consultant with a Special Interest in Palliative Care based in Crumlin. As well as supporting other paediatricians, the Consultant also provides clinical support and advice to maternity hospitals and neonatologists. The programme has also provided eight Children's Outreach Nurses whose role is to ensure that children being cared for at home by their families, have access to co-ordinated and supportive services. The HSE's 2015 Service Plan provides for an additional two Children's Outreach Nurses to be recruited in 2015; one of these nursing posts will be allocated to Donegal.