Mental Health Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Questions (597)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

597. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he recognises that certain services for persons with significant intellectual disabilities provided by voluntary bodies and partly funded through the Health Service Executive are essential social services and should not and will not be reduced or withdrawn as a consequence of funding reduction by the State; if he will direct the HSE to ensure they are fully provided for the delivery of essential services (details supplied) and will not be subject to any reduction where it is proven that the service is being provided within a cost effective framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51123/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Expenditure on health services for people with a disability in 2012 will be around €1.4 billion. In the case of disability services, the HSE National Service Plan 2012 provides for a 3.7% reduction in budgets but makes it clear that there is scope for achieving efficiencies of 2% or more through measures such as consolidation and rationalisation of back office costs. All providers will be expected to achieve some efficiency savings but the level of savings required will vary depending on the profile of the service provider, efficiency savings achieved to date and the scope for further savings. Some reductions in day services, residential and respite services will be unavoidable even with such efficiencies. The aim will be to tailor such reductions to minimise the impact on service users and families as much as possible. Pending completion of the national estimates, budgetary and service planning process for 2013 it is not possible to predict the service levels to be provided next year.