Vol. 570 No. 2
383 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on the review of funding to Enable Ireland; if he is satisfied that Enable Ireland remains equipped to deliver necessary services to the large number of people with disabilities attending its centres in view of the reported departure of several senior staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18372/03]
I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has recently advised the Not for Profit Business Association of an additional allocation of €5.85 million to relieve the underfunding situation of its member organisations, including Enable Ireland. Further claims amounting to over €5 million have been made by the association and these claims are being considered by my Department, in consultation with the Eastern Regional Health Authority, the health boards and the association itself, having regard to the availability of funds. Additional claims for extra staff numbers will also be considered in the light of available resources.
The fact that the current overall economic position has had implications for all aspects of public investment 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.
