Services for People with Disabilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2016

Tuesday, 29 November 2016

Questions (576, 577)

Jack Chambers

Question:

576. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to recent cuts to a disability service (details supplied) provided by the National Council for the Blind through funding from the local health board of the Health Service Executive; the reason service users have been told there has been no cut to the service; if his attention has been drawn to the effects the cut is having on staff morale and to service users as a result of the cut; if he will reverse the cuts to this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37447/16]

Jack Chambers

Question:

577. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the annual funding figures through the Health Service Executive to the National Council for the Blind for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37448/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 577 together.

This 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.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.