All children in Iceland have access to the same service

Dadi Már Kristófersson, Minister of Finance and Economy, says the changing division of responsibility for the state and local authorities, in specialized services for children with multifaceted problems, has the effect that all children in Iceland will have the same approach in this area. Thus, the change will equal some differences that have existed in services for these children between municipalities.

An agreement on a changed arrangement between the state and the municipalities for the development of nursing homes was also signed today. Asked about the significance of the change, Dadi says she hopefully will speed up the development of nursing facilities.

« This means that the state alone decides on that structure and manages it. So the financial decision of the municipalities is no longer direct. It can hopefully speed up the structure. »

The cases are in the Government's Charter

« Regarding children with multifaceted problems, this means primarily coordination in service, these are not many children, but of course they live far and wide in the country in municipalities with all kinds of ability to deal with their problems. »

So this also equals the difference between the services offered to children between municipalities?

« Yes, this would mean that all children in Iceland have the same approach. »

How will the state go about financing these changes?

« Both of these issues were in the Government's Charter and it was expected to finance both of these items in the draft financial plan, which we will present in the coming weeks. »