Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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159. To ask the Minister for Health the reason there are staff shortages in the offices of the National Disability Complaints Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52260/18]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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160. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents of children who have exceeded the waiting times for disability assessment in the south Lee area of County Cork are receiving letters from the HSE stating that due to staff shortages there is a considerable delay in responding to complaints; his views on whether this is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52261/18]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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161. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE has undertaken an investigation into the reason assessments for disability are longer in the south Lee area of County Cork; if the service providers provide private assessments on the same site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52262/18]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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162. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to address the long waiting times for disability assessments in the south Lee area of County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52263/18]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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163. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a waiting list regarding complaints on delays in disability assessments in the south Lee area of County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52264/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 to 163, inclusive, together.

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.