Written answers

Wednesday, 29 September 2021

Department of Health

Disability Services

Photo of Marian HarkinMarian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

260. To ask the Minister for Health when day centres (details supplied) in County Sligo will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47152/21]

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

Day services re-opened at 39% capacity at service locations throughout August and early September of 2020, and by end of January 2021 this had increased to 51%. The combination of supports in the location, outreach supports, and remote supports provides an overall quantum of support to service users of over 60% at the end of January. The increase in day service capacity was supported by additional funding of €30 million provided in Budget 2021 to increase capacity in buildings and provide extra staff. This funding provided an increase in day services by an average of one day a week for 14,940 people against September 2020 service levels. 

I was very pleased to announce that adult day services for people with disabilities will return to full capacity by October 22nd, in line with our COVID 19 response  ‘Reframing the Challenge’ roadmap for the lifting of restrictions.   

Day service providers have been requested to develop their individual day service location roadmaps to increase the level of day service provision to 100% restoration for each day service user by October 22nd.  

Infection prevention and control measures that have been introduced to support the safe delivery of adult disability day services since the onset of COVID 19 will remain in place after October 22nd. These arrangements include risk assessments, enhanced environmental hygiene, and pod like arrangements in day service locations. Mask wearing will remain in place in day services, except for those who are exempt from wearing a face covering. 

Further updates for service users and families will also be made available at the following link: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/disability/newdirections/resumption-of-adult-day-services-for-adults-with-disabilities.html 

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

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.