SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 14th August (EUROPA PRESS) –
The upcoming legislation set to regulate the dependency system in the Canary Islands will involve 80% contributions from various groups, administrations, and entities during the public feedback period. This measure aims to expedite the process for individuals to receive assistance under the Dependency Law.
Minister for Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Children, and Families, Candelaria Delgado, shared this information during the General Council of Social Services in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The council was held on Wednesday, and it included the presentation of the draft decree that will govern the process for recognising dependency situations in the archipelago.
Delgado explained, “This regulation will mark a significant shift in the care for dependent individuals in the islands, transitioning from a two-phase approach to a single-phase process. This adjustment will help reduce processing times to six months, aligning with the timelines specified in the national legislation.”
“Previously, the Canary Islands utilised a two-phase system, where two professionals had to visit the applicant on separate occasions to evaluate their dependency status and then develop an individualised care plan outlining entitled benefits,” Delgado elaborated.
The councillor highlighted that with the new single-phase system, “just one professional will conduct the assessment at the applicant’s home. If dependency is identified, the Individualised Care Program (PIA) will be formulated immediately. This will lead to a reduction in processing time by up to a year.”
During her address, the Minister mentioned that the draft Decree, following completion of public feedback and consultation processes, incorporates 80% of the proposed contributions, reflecting comprehensive amendments to articles and significant changes in deadlines.
She further stated that the collective efforts had culminated in a document intended to be inclusive, having undergone revisions and enhancements resulting from collaboration among public administrations, and social, political, and economic entities.
Delgado appreciated the additional insights provided by the Council members and expressed commitment to keeping stakeholders informed through each phase until the final approval of the draft, striving for maximum consensus.
On the entry into force of the new decree, Delgado remarked, “This will bring about substantial changes for citizens by streamlining the recognition of dependency, ensuring compliance with the Law, and limiting the process to a maximum of six months, as opposed to the current timeframe of almost two years.”
She highlighted that initial measures implemented by the General Directorate of Dependency had already led to a notable reduction in the time taken to process requests – from 977 days at the end of 2022 to 585 days presently.
A ROBUST PUBLIC SYSTEM.
Delgado emphasised the Government’s stance on the necessity of a robust public system that caters to citizens’ requirements. She affirmed that the Dependency Law stipulates that the identification of dependency situations “falls under the responsibility of public administrations and must always be carried out by authorised public employees designated by the relevant General Directorate overseeing Dependency matters.”
She assured, “There is no risk of privatisation or externalisation of the dependency system.” Delgado stated, “Our aim is to enhance transparency within the system, making it more efficient and responsive to citizens’ expectations and the societal dynamics of the Canary Islands. We have been dedicated to this cause since taking office, and we will persist in this direction because addressing this challenge is imperative for contemporary societies.”
