Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
859 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to increase the funding allocated towards personal assistants and the development fund for personal assistants to assist persons with disabilities. [22033/04]
View answerThe Government has decided on a new approach to current funding in the case of disability support services, including the provision of personal assistant services. A multi-annual funding package for current expenditure on high priority disability support services, including the provision of personal assistant services, will be agreed within the Estimates and budget process, which is now in progress. This is the first time that Government has adopted this approach in the case of spending on services. It will significantly assist the development of the framework set out in the initiatives announced around the launch of the Disability Bill 2004. This new approach shows the Government's commitment to funding for disability support services.
860 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make funding available for an organisation, details supplied, which supplies canine partners for persons with disabilities. [22034/04]
View answerThe provision of health related services, including the funding of services for persons with disabilities, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. My Department has no plans to provide funding for this organisation.
