Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
1043. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the funding provided for the disability sector in 2013 and the proposed funding for 2014 based on the estimates presented to Dáil Éireann as part of the budget process; the amount of new funding that will be provided next year for school leavers; the way it is intended to ensure full services for persons with a disability in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45748/13]
View answerThis Government currently provides funding of over €1.5 billion to the Disability Services Programme through the HSE’s National Service Plan for 2013, and is committed to protecting front-line services for people with disabilities to the greatest possible extent.
In 2013 the HSE is seeking to maximise the provision of services within available resources and is committed to maintaining a consistent level to that provided in 2012, by providing the following specialist disability services residential services to over 9,000 people with a disability; day services to over 22,000 people with intellectual and physical disabilities; respite residential support for over 7,500 people with intellectual and physical disabilities; 1.68m hours of Personal Assistant / Home Support Hours.
Pending the completion of the HSE's National Service Plan for 2014, it is not possible to predict the service levels and funding to be provided next year for the disability sector including the funding that will be available for school leavers.
