Vol. 541 No. 4
277 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the grants available from his Department for the construction and operation of sheltered workshop places for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23031/01]
Sheltered workshops are currently funded through a number of different methods. A number of organisations which provide a wide range of services to people with disabilities are block funded for the totality of the services provided, including sheltered work. They then respond to whatever demand arises from within that block funding. There are no specific allocations for each discrete element of service.
Other service providers receive an annual capitation grant in respect of each sheltered worker. This capitation grant is increased each year in line with Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs annual increases. The annual capitation grant is currently £1,415 – 1,796.68 – with effect from 1 April 2001. In recent years my Department has recognised the need to increase funding to the providers of sheltered work. In this context, additional funding was provided to the health boards as follows: 1999, £2.1 million – 2.666 million; 2000, £2.1 million – 2.666million; and 2001, £3.35 million – 4.253million effective from 1 April, with a full year cost of £5.35 million – 6.793 million in 2002.
My Department will shortly be undertaking a review of funding of sheltered workshops. I expect this review to be completed early next year.
