Disability Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024

Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Ceisteanna (566)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

566. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of any analysis carried out by his Department regarding the adequacy of the current lower age limit for school leaver referrals for HSE funded adult day services, which can only be made once the student turns 16 years; his plans to reduce the lower age limit to 13 years to allow for a longer planning period for the transition of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16174/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Fórsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and Reps to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps.