Services for People with Disabilities

Thursday, 6 July 2017

Questions (199)

Seán Crowe

Question:

199. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing difficulties being experienced by the family of a person (details supplied) that is attending a preschool; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the family have now been told that their home tuition grant will not be sanctioned due to the fact the person is turning six years of age and does not have a cognitive assessment report; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the same person is two and a half years awaiting this assessment and three and a half years awaiting speech therapy service; his plans to address this delay that is impacting on this person who has autism and sensory process disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32021/17]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.