Vol. 547 No. 3
239 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to introduce a multi-annual capital and current budget for services provided to people with a mental disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3452/02]
A core theme of the new health strategy is that there must be more effective planning and development of services over a period of years. Specific targets and a framework for development are, as a result, set out for each major programme area, including intellectual disability services. It is intended to move towards greater multi-annual planning and budgeting within the obvious constraints of the prevailing economic situation and the constitutional role of the Oireachtas in relation to Estimates of expenditure. In addition, it is intended to move towards multi-annual service and support agreements with organisations funded by health agencies.
