Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
155. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a direct payment system and personalised budgets for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16275/16]
View answerThe establishment of a Task Force on Personalised Budgets is a key element in the Programme for Government’s commitment to give people with disabilities more control in accessing services, greater independence and choice. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
While the concept of personalised budgets is not limited to health and personal social services, my initial view is that the Task Force should concentrate on personalised budgets for services for people with disabilities funded by the HSE in the first instance. Some work has already commenced on scoping how to introduce individualised budgets in health-funded disability services as part of the reform programme Transforming Lives.
The Government is keen to set up the Task Force as soon as possible and as first step will identify a suitable person to act as Chair and drive the project forward. The next actions will be to address the detailed arrangements including:
- Membership of the Task Force and Secretariat;
- Define the scope of the project/Terms of reference; and
- Develop a project plan and associated timelines.
