Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
720. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding personal assistant services for persons with physical disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31034/15]
View answer921. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his views on the proposals by the Irish Wheelchair Association for the provision of €500,000 for additional personal assistants to help people with disabilities to live independently and contribute to society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31125/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 720 and 921 together.
Work is currently underway in the Department of Health in relation to the preparation of budget estimates for 2016. As part of this process, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has submitted an estimate of its proposed expenditure for 2016, including health and personal social services for people with a disability. As discussions on budgetary issues are ongoing within the Department of Health, with the HSE and with the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform, I am not in a position to comment on the outcome of the process at this stage.
