Disability Services Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020

Tuesday, 10 November 2020

Questions (680)

Alan Kelly

Question:

680. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health his plans to act on the 12 month notice of termination of contract served on the HSE by a service (details supplied) and the transfer of all of its services to the HSE or to a provider identified by the HSE over the coming 12 months due to a crisis in its funding; the additional funding being made available to avoid a disaster in the provision of disability and community care facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34676/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The primary concern of the Minister for Health / Minster for Disabilities is to ensure the continuity of supports and services for people with disabilities and their families.

As the Deputy will be aware, specialist disability services are provided by a range of organisations. In some cases the HSE itself delivers these services directly and in other circumstances, the HSE relies upon funded providers to deliver these services.

Organisations such as St John of Gods Community Services provide services for people with a disability on behalf of the HSE, on a contract for services basis, underpinned by Section 38 of the Health Act 2004. Service Level Agreements are set out between the HSE and the individual organisations.

As the Deputy's question deals with services funded by the HSE, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy