I propose to take Questions Nos. 525, 612 and 685 together.
The Government currently provides funding of almost €1.5 billion to the Disability Services Programme through the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) National Service Plan for 2015. This funding is providing disability services throughout the country and is spent in line with nationally agreed policy for disability services whilst at the same time endeavouring to maximise value. The health service as a whole has to operate within the parameters of funding available to it and given the current economic environment, this has become a major challenge for all stakeholders, including the HSE, voluntary service providers, services users and their families.
In relation to the service matters raised by the Deputy, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.