Written Answers. - Physical and Sensory Disability Services.
Dick Spring
Question:
268
Mr. Spring
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Enable Ireland has a core deficit for the current year for existing services of ?2.92 million; a capital deficit on new buildings of ?2.16 million; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that adequate therapy services are not being provided due to staff shortages and that Enable Ireland is borrowing to meet its current demand; and the action he is taking to remedy this situation.
[6762/02]
Dick Spring
Question:
269
Mr. Spring
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
when the recommended 137 new posts will be sanctioned and funded for Enable Ireland.
[6763/02]
Deirdre Clune
Question:
274
Ms Clune
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
his proposals to increase the funding allocated to the physical and sensory disability sector from the allocation of ?6.41 million for 2002 to his Department's estimate of ?38.05 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6826/02]
Denis Naughten
Question:
277
Mr. Naughten
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
if he will provide additional multi-annual funding for physical and sensory disability services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6829/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 268, 269, 274 and 277 together.
My Department is aware that there are a number of issues surrounding the under resourcing of the voluntary sector organisations providing health related services to people with physical and sensory disabilities. In response to issues raised, I point out that there have been a number of key developments in the disability sector in recent years in relation to the enhancement of services and the development of new services to meet identified needs. This has been made possible by the significant increased investment over the last number of years from an additional €36.82 million in 1997 to approximately €160 million extra funding in 2001.
With particular reference to services for people with physical and sensory disabilities, additional funding of more than €175 million has been provided by this Government for the maintenance and development of health related support services, including residential, respite, day, home support, including personal assistance, and therapy services. The ongoing element of this funding more than doubles the previous annual budget available to the sector. In 2002, I have allocated additional funding of almost €40 million, including ongoing funding of €30.53 million as part of my commitment to services for people with physi cal and sensory disabilities. Some €6.411 million has been targeted at this under resourcing of the voluntary sector and I am currently considering how this funding should be most effectively distributed across the voluntary organisations concerned.
Substantial funding has been targeted at services provided by the major voluntary organisations in the sector for the purpose of meeting their core funding requirements. However, despite significant funding input, some of the organisations concerned have continued to accrue substantial core deficits. This issue, together with staffing levels, has been the subject of ongoing discussions between my Department, the health boards and the voluntary organisations concerned. It is my intention to clarify this issue further in the coming months.
In addition, to encourage the development of a partnership approach between the voluntary and statutory sectors, my Department and the health boards actively engage with the voluntary sector at various national and local fora and committees, on the allocation of available funding and participation in policy development.
My Department, in conjunction with the Health Research Board, the health boards and the voluntary sector, is currently developing a national physical and sensory disability database, which when complete, will provide a detailed picture of the service requirements of people with physical and sensory disabilities over a five year period. This database will enable a co-ordinated and planned approach to be taken to what is ultimately most important, the delivery of services to individuals as required.
