The HSE provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant (PA) and Home Support services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives. The Department of Health and HSE are committed to protecting the level of PA and Home Support Services available to persons with disabilities, in line with the National Service Plan. As part of its response to the unprecedented COVID19 crisis, the HSE has worked with service providers and developed a Contingency Plan to assist in the delivery of services where possible, and recognises that many new and innovative processes were developed to maintain different forms of service delivery during this crisis.
The Department of Health recognises that the programme for Government pledges to deliver increased home support and Personal Assistance hours, and notes that additional funding was allocated in the National Service Plan for 2020.
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.