Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2015
507. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for St. Michael’s House services, Dublin 9, in 2015 and 2016, in order to deal with the consequences for persons who do not receive after-school services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18626/15]
View answer509. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding for intellectually challenged school leavers, and support their families, as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18634/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 507 and 509 together.
Preparations are underway in respect of all school-leavers and rehabilitative training (RT) graduates to ensure that needs are identified and appropriate services are provided to young people with disabilities. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that all young people and their families will be notified by the end of June of the placement that will be available to them from September. Additional funding of €6 million (at a full year cost of €12 million) has been allocated in the Social Care Operational Plan 2015 to meet the needs of around 1,500 young people who will require continuing health-funded supports.
The HSE is very aware of the challenges faced by St. Michael's House and remains committed to working with all voluntary disability service providers to ensure that all of the resources available for specialist disability services are used in the most efficient and effective manner possible. The HSE has informed me that they are on schedule to meet the day service needs of all young people with disabilities who are due to leave school or graduate from an RT programme in the coming weeks.
