Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The HSE began planning for the resumption of adult disability day services in May, and services have now resumed nationwide. Public health guidance was specifically developed to underpin the safe resumption of services, and this guidance was published in July.

The guidance developed to support the resumption of adult day services has had to take account of social distancing rules which has meant that there is a reduced number of people in each service location. This means that, when day services re-opened they re-opened at approximately 40% capacity. However, the HSE is committed to maximising the support that can be provided within these restrictions.

The government will be investing an additional €100 million in new initiatives in 2021, bringing the total disabilities budget to around €2.2 billion. Regarding day services specifically, this additional investment will build the capacity of our adult disability services nationally, and will increase day services by one day a week, for those whose services were reduced due to COVID-19. It will also support around 1,700 young people who leave school and training programmes in 2021.

This is in addition to the €7.5 million being made available to support the resumption of day services which I announced in September.

The HSE gathered data at the end of September on the quantum of services currently being provided to individuals, and this will act as a baseline to track additional service levels.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

161. To ask the Minister for Health the number of assessment of needs applications that have been made in County Donegal in 2020; the number that have been processed; the number that have yet to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30633/20]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.

The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.