Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
256. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the plans to commit adequate funding for the implementation of the Disability Action Plan over its full- term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5753/24]
View answer257. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will commit to adequate ring-fenced funding for the Disability Action Plan for its full-term;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5752/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together.
This Government is committed to the expansion of specialist services for people with disabilities. The Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026, which I published on 14th December, represents a national strategy for capacity increases and service and policy reform in disability services. It was informed by findings from the Disability Capacity Review, published in 2021, in addition to cross-Governmental input and an extensive public consultation.
The service areas for investment for 2024 under the Action Plan have already been agreed through the budgetary process. Specifically, €74m has been allocated for new development measures which will provide greater investment across a range of disability services and contribute to the progressive realisation of the Action Plan. The measures are:
• €20.5m for circa 100 Residential placements for children and adults
• €15m for provision of further Respite services, including alternative respite
• €18.2m for new Day Services places for approximately 1,250 people
• €8.5m for developments in Children's Services, including 125 new therapy assistant positions
• €11.9m for other developments, including 80,000 extra PA hours and furtherance of Community Neurological supports.
The precise level of delivery of services for people with disabilities, based on the funding provided in the Budget, is set out in the HSE's National Service Plan for 2024.
To enable strategic planning of new current spending and achieve value for money over the full three years of the plan, it will be essential to have an indicative funding envelope, though year to year funding will fall to be decided through the Estimates process. It is intended to address the capacity deficits identified in the Capacity Review in a phased approach, meaning this Action Plan represents an implementation plan for the first phase and will be followed by a successor plan in 2027. The Action Plan is a living document and will be reviewed and updated in the light of priorities, policy considerations and the funding available under this and subsequent Budgets.
