‘Complex’ transfer of disability remit ongoing

The “complex” transfer of policy and funding responsibility for specialist community-based disability services from the Department of Health to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) has been impacted by the pandemic. The required legislation and revised governance arrangements will not be in place until later this year, due to the size and complexity of the process, a spokesperson for the DCEDIY told the Medical Independent.

In June 2020, plans for the transfer were announced by the Government. The HSE will retain responsibility for the delivery of these services post-transfer. The DCEDIY has described the transfer process as “complex”.

“It also presents administrative and governance challenges for the HSE, which will have two departments to report to, once the transfer becomes effective.

“The challenge for both departments, and the HSE, is to ensure we clearly set out the boundaries of reporting and performance management relationships.

“The size and complexity of the work means that the required legislation and revised governance arrangements will not be in place until later this year.”

The services involved relate to physical, sensory and intellectual disability, and autism, in day, respite and residential settings. Services provided include personal assistant, home support, multidisciplinary and other community supports. Services are delivered through HSE, non-statutory and private service providers.