Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

544. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of advocates in the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities; the estimated cost of increasing the number of advocates by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29550/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) provides an independent, confidential and free, issues-based representative advocacy service that works exclusively for the person using the service and adheres to the highest professional standards. NAS has a particular remit for people with disabilities who are isolated from their community and services, have communication differences, are inappropriately accommodated, live in residential services, attend day services or have limited informal or natural supports.

NAS operates with the following staffing complement:

NAS is fully funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board (CIB), which has a mandate under the Citizens Information Act 2007 to provide advocacy for people with disabilities.

The NAS operational grant from the Citizens Information Board for 2017 is €3.1 million. Based on 2017 costs, the following table shows the estimated cost if the number of advocates (including senior advocates) was increased by certain percentages, as requested by the Deputy.

These figures include estimated overheads (rent, light, heating) based on current costs and salaries based on an average salary points of both advocate and senior advocate roles. Additional administrative or managerial costs that may result are not included.

It is noteworthy that advocacy services are also provided by the nationwide network of Citizens Information Services (CIS), also funded and supported by CIB. CIS provides free, impartial and confidential information to the public on a range of social and public services. CIS supports clients, including those who may have a disability, to act on their own behalf wherever possible (self-advocacy). CIS also advocates directly on behalf of clients.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.