Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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354. To ask the Minister for Health the work carried out on a cross-departmental basis in co-operation with the HSE to create a system that will allow for portability of personal assistance services across CHO areas that can meet the social, personal and employment needs of disabled persons without bureaucratic barriers. [53727/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The HSE is funded to provide personal assistance hours to provide personal and social services to people with disabilities. The provision of personal assistance supports for employment would be a matter for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

As the Deputy's question regarding portability of PA hours between CHO areas 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.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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355. To ask the Minister for Health the systems to be put in place to ensure that the attention of persons with disabilities is drawn to the availability of the personal assistant service in order that they can seek to lead independent lives and access the necessary supports to allow them to do so. [53728/18]

Finian 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.