Written answers

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Department of Health

Services for People with Disabilities

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

617. To ask the Minister for Health if he will clarify the eligibility criteria and application process for patients with muscular dystrophy who require a personal assistant. [22261/16]

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

With regard to assisted living services, the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) priority in the 2016 National Service Plan is to protect the level of services provided in 2015 and to provide 1.3 million hours of Personal Assistant services to 2,000 people with a physical/sensory disability and 2.6 million hours of Home Support to 7,300 people with a range of disabilities. The provision of Personal Assistant services has an annual cost of €30 million, with an annual cost of €52 million for Home Support services.

Applicants are accessed through an application process or through referrals from public health nurses or other community based staff. The needs of the person applying are evaluated against the prioritisation for the particular service and then decisions are made in relation to the allocation of resources. Resource allocation is determined by the needs of the individual, compliance with prioritisation criteria and the level of resources available. While the resources for the provision of assisted living services, including Personal Assistant services, are substantial, they are finite.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy for a more comprehensive reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE. Furthermore, if the Deputy has a particular case in mind, he should contact the HSE with the details and it will arrange to have the matter followed up.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.