Carol Nolan
Question:446. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the specific measures contained in budget 2017 with respect to the provision of respite services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31854/16]
View answerTuesday, 25 October 2016
Questions (446)
Written answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. 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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
The Government currently provides funding of €1.56 billion to the Disability Services Programme. Budget 2017 includes an increased allocation to the Disability Services Programme to address a number of key priorities in the Programme for Partnership Government. Including the additional funding of €31m secured earlier this year, the allocation for disability services will rise to over €1.654bn in 2017, an increase of €92 million on the Budget 2016 allocation.
The quantum of respite services to be provided will be outlined in the Health Service Executive's (HSE) National Service Plan for 2017, which is currently being prepared by the Executive.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.