Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2019
455. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the actions that have been taken to allocate funding directly to an organisation (details supplied) following commitments provided by the Minster of State with special responsibility for disability issues to the family forum meeting in County Kilkenny; if cases such as the case of a person have been funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51796/19]
View answerThe 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. Significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services over the past number of years. I am pleased to build upon existing resources through provision of additional funding for disability services in the 2020 Budget; the overall Budget for disability services in 2020 now stands in excess of €2 billion. This is an increase of over €490 million since 2016. The allocation of funding to organisations is being considered by the HSE as part of their National Service Plan for 2020. I have, therefore, arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
