Vol. 566 No. 1
454 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he is taking to implement the report by the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities; if he will provide the ?6.1 million shortfall for disability services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11745/03]
The overall economic position in 2003 has had implications for all aspects of public investment, and this is reflected in the Estimates and budget adopted by the Government for 2003. Within this overall framework, however, some two thirds of the additional funding available for non-capital investment in services has been allocated to the health services.
This funding is being applied largely to maintaining existing levels of service across all service programmes including services for people with disabilities. While it is regrettable that the level of investment in these services achieved in recent years could not be maintained in 2003, my Department will work closely with the health boards and other service providers in relation to service provision this year.
In relation to the Report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, I wish to advise the Deputy that the majority of recommendations made in this report have either been implemented in full or are in the process of being implemented.
