Disability Support Services Expenditure

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Questions (615)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

615. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the major collective effect of cuts to disability organisations (details supplied) in County Cork, which have experienced substantial budget cuts over the past six years; if he will acknowledge that there is a growing gap between the demand for services and the resources available to meet this demand; that further cuts will cause this gap to widen even further and threaten front-line services such as transport and respite supports, early intervention services and many more; if he will provide assurances that this sector will not be subject to further cuts in budget 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41036/13]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The level of funding available for the health budget and the extent of the savings required in the health sector are being considered as part of the estimates and budgetary process for 2014 which is currently under way. Pending completion of the national estimates, budgetary and service planning process for 2014 it is not possible to predict the service levels to be provided next year for the disability sector. In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, the information requested is not available in my Department. However, I have asked the HSE to provide the information it has available directly to you in relation these matters.