Written answers

Tuesday, 31 January 2017

Department of Health

Services for People with Disabilities

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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578. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the establishment of a database for children born with complex needs and rare conditions; if he has considered the merit of such information gathering, specifically in terms of more accurately measuring existing demographic trends and the enhanced forecasting of future service need, particularly concerning both the provision of health and education services; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty that the current absence of such readily available and accurate information is creating with regard to long-term planning and ensuring sufficient and adequate service provision for persons with such conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4354/17]

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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There are no plans for the establishment of a database for children with complex needs and rare conditions.

With regard to services for people with disabilities, the Health Service Executive's two current Service Planning Databases in the disability sector are the National Intellectual Disability Database and the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database. The Health Research Board manages both of these databases on behalf of the Department of Health. The databases record current and future service needs, rather than being a registry of those with specific conditions. Health funded services for people with disabilities are provided on the basis of identified service needs, rather than linked to a specific diagnosis.

Forecasting in relation to education services is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills.

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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579. To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff-employed in early intervention in County Cork, the expertise and geographical location of each; and the number of private sector contractors required to fill HSE staff shortfalls [4364/17]

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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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.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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580. To ask the Minister for Health the forms of transport which will qualify for individual payments as a contribution towards transport costs to persons with severe disabilities on a low income who cannot access public transport, with reference to the Health (Transport Support) Bill; and if it will include taxis and rental cars [4368/17]

Photo of Joe CareyJoe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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585. To ask the Minister for Health when he expects to introduce a transport support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4414/17]

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 580 and 585 together.

Detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions are being progressed by my Department. I am pleased to report that work on policy proposals in relation to all matters, including eligibility criteria, are at an advanced stage of development. Once the Government approves the draft Heads of Bill for this new Scheme, they will then be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny. The form, manner and arrangements for providing individual payments to persons who qualify for the Scheme will be set out in the primary legislation and any associated secondary legislation once prepared.

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