Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
369. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will address the lack of capital investment in intellectual disability services since 2006 by making an extra €100 million available annually for the next five years to address the 17,883 persons who are on waiting lists for services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29309/16]
View answerIn 2015, when announcing the State's multi-annual capital programme Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021, the Government allocated €100m investment over the multi-annual period to replace, upgrade and refurbish long-stay accommodation for Persons with a disability. This work, when completed, will achieve compliance and registration with HIQA.
While significant work has been undertaken by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in determining the scheduling of projects over the period, and within the phased provision of funding, further work remains to be done.
The programme will replace existing accommodation where the physical environment requires significant improvement. Where appropriate, property may be purchased and adjusted to meet residents' needs. All healthcare infrastructure developments, including this programme, will require a lead-in time to complete the various stages. These include appraisal, project brief, design feasibility, detailed design, submission of the planning application, sourcing of appropriately located properties to purchase and the review of costing estimates. Some of these processes may overlap.
This programme is proceeding according to construction and capital planning guidelines and where appropriate properties are being purchased, the HSE's Property Protocol.
Further funding is dependent on the availability of resources in the context of the many other demands across the country and the limited future capital envelope for the health service and the overall priorities for future service development.
In relation to the specific issue of waiting lists for services raised in the Deputy's question, as this is a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
