Written answers

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Departmental Reports

Photo of Violet-Anne WynneViolet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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1123. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the National Service Plan; if he will provide a review of same; when it is intended that reports such as Grounded from the Ombudsman's office and the Cost of Disability report by a company (details supplied) will be incorporated into the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2071/22]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The HSE National Service Plan (NSP) is the responsibility of the Department of Health.

The Department of Health oversees the performance of the HSE in relation to the delivery of the services set out in its NSP. This is achieved through an on-going monthly performance management process where the HSE reports against the targets set out in the NSP. Monthly high-level meetings between management in both organisations are held to discuss on-going or emerging performance issues and to determine actions to resolve and improve areas of concern.  There is also regular engagement between HSE and Department of Health officials on a wide range of issues to ensure compliance with policy objectives. 

The impact of the current wave of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus has caused a delay in the deliberations and finalisation of the NSP 2022.  NSP 2022 has been submitted to the Minister for Health and is currently under detailed consideration. It is envisaged that this process will be soon completed and that the Minister for Health will respond shortly. 

Under relevant legislation, the Minister for Health can either (a) approve the NSP, (b) approve with amendments, following consultation with the HSE or (c) issue a direction to the HSE. If the NSP is approved by the Minister, a copy of the Plan will be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas (as required by legislation) and the HSE will subsequently publish the plan. 

The two reports referred to will be considered on a cross-departmental basis in 2022 in the context of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS). The Cost of Disability Report will be discussed at the next meeting of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group, which is chaired by my colleagues and Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, T.D. Consideration of whole-of-Government actions that respond to the conclusions and recommendations in the Cost of Disability Report will be coordinated through NDIS implementation and monitoring structures. The Ombudsman’s report into personal transport schemes similarly provides a valuable evidence base for reviewing policy. Under Action 104 of the NDIS a  Working Group exists which aims to “review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities”. The Ombudsman's Report will be considered by this Working Group.  

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