Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1046. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if adults in residential care settings are eligible for personalised budgets as introduced by the HSE in 2018, wherein an individual may receive direct funding to manage their own support needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48215/23]
View answer1047. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth under what circumstances would an adult in residential care be considered for a personalised budget, particularly in light of the potential loss of social outlets upon leaving school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48216/23]
View answer1048. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether personalised budgets can be utilised for service provisions outside of HSE-funded providers, such as day trips, to address concerns about preserving autonomy and individuality for those in residential care settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48217/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1046, 1047 and 1048 together.
The Personalised Budget pilot demonstrator Project is open to adults with a disability who are currently in receipt of HSE funded services across a broad spectrum of services, including day services, residential services and respite services. It provides participants with more control in accessing health funded personal social services, giving each participant on the Pilot Personalised Budget Project greater independence and choice in accessing services that best meet their individual needs.
The Personalised Budget pilot demonstrator Project is currently in its demonstration phase and the HSE National Service Plan for 2023 targets up to 180 participants in the project.
Latest information from the HSE indicates that there are 114 active participants on the Personalised Budget pilot Demonstrator project, with 26 people currently participating in the final stage 4 of the pilot, the “Living Life Phase”.
An extension to the demonstrator project was granted by Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, to Q3 2023. This extension will facilitate suitable applicant participation and allow time for a robust evaluation of the demonstrator project to be commenced.
