LYNCH KATHLEEN A4 REPORT_Layout 1 26/11/2013 14:56 Page 1
Minister Kathleen Lynch TD Minister of State for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People
WORKING TOGETHER
NEW UNIT IN DEPT TO FIGHT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A COMPLEX DISABILITY ■ I have established a new unit within the Department of Health to deal with Children, Adolescents and Young People with Complex Disabilities Unit led by a Principal Officer. ■ This important development aims to foster greater collaboration between the various Departments of Health, Education and Skills and Children and Youth Affairs on children’s disability issues and to build on the cross sectoral working arrangements that are already in place.
Minister Kathleen Lynch at launch of 'Creating the Future' which took place at Cope Foundation, Montenotte, Cork
DISABILITY STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN PUBLISHED ■ In July we published the plan developed by National Disability Strategy Implementation Group. ■ The Plan is organised around important rights for citizens with disabilities. All of the actions contained in the Plan are under the themes of ‘equal citizens’, ‘independence and choice’, ‘participation’ and ‘maximise potential’. ■ People with disabilities should be free from discrimination; supported to live the life they choose; live ordinary lives in ordinary places, participating in the life of the community; and are enabled to reach their full potential. ■ Under the plan each Govt. Dept has to play a role in ensuring that the services it provides are available to all citizens including people with a disability. This ensures that a whole of Government/ joined up approach is being taken in relation to people with a disability to enable them to participate as fully as possible in their local communities.
NEW STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDED TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ■ We have put in place a new regime of standards for designated centres which include residential services provided to persons with disabilities. ■ As and from November 2013 HIQA are empowered to undertake investigations as to the safety, quality and standards of these residential services. ■ This has been called for by the disability sector for a number of years. The sector was widely consulted in the drawing up of the new standards. ■ HIQA will have the power to inspect and investigate these services and the settings in which they are provided. ■ The emphasis will be on supports that may be necessary to ensure that the unique and complex needs of each individual person are met in an appropriate manner by service providers and their staff, so that people may be able, as far as possible, to avail of supports they need at home or in their own community.