Services for People with Disabilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2017

Thursday, 19 January 2017

Questions (230)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

230. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a day care centre run by the HSE for persons with a disability (details supplied) which is involved in training of greyhounds for hare coursing; if it is HSE funding that is being used for this and to bring the centre's attendees to hare coursing meetings; and his views on whether hare coursing is a suitable leisure activity to be funded in this way for the persons that use the centre. [2475/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

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