Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

131. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding potential changes proposed in the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People Programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7411/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Health Service Executive is currently engaged in a major reconfiguration of its existing therapy resources for children with disabilities into multi-disciplinary geographically based teams, as part of its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years).The key objective of this Programme is to bring about equity of access to disability services and consistency of service delivery, with a clear pathway for children with disabilities and their families to services, regardless of where they live, where these children go to school or the nature of the individual child’s difficulties.

The Programme is a key priority for the HSE’s Social Care Directorate. An additional €4m was allocated in 2014 to assist in implementing the Programme, equating to approximately 80 additional therapy posts. Further investment of €4 million will also be made to support the development of therapy services in 2015 (equating to €6 million in a full year). The transition to this new service model is taking place on a phased basis and includes consultation and engagement with stakeholders, including service users and their families.

My Department has asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of the specific operational issue that he has raised. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.