Vol. 550 No. 1
116 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will substantially increase the proposed expenditure in the health services in respect of people with physical and sensory disabilities, having particular regard to the strong case made by the Irish Wheelchair Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7356/02]
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 would like to point out that there have been a number of key developments in the disability sector over the last number of 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 over £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 physical and sensory disabilities. A further €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, including the Irish Wheelchair Association, 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.
