Finian McGrath
Ceist:578 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of extra services to children and adults with disabilities. [13167/02]
Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.
In 2002, additional revenue and capital funding of almost €100 million has been allocated for the maintenance and development of health related services for people with disabilities and those with autism. This includes ongoing revenue funding of over $55 million, which will make the following provisions. In terms of intellectual disability and autism, there will be provision for over 100 new residential places; 75 new respite places; 600 new day places; the further enhancement of health related support services for children with an intellectual disability and those with autism; the continuation of the programme to transfer persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements; and the further enhancement of specialist services.
In respect of physical and sensory disability, there will be provision for significant increases in the levels of funding available for home supports, including personal assistance, services, therapy services and priorities identified by the health boards at local level, including residential, respite and high support services; €6.411 million towards the under-resourcing of the voluntary sector and €1.27 million towards the mainstreaming of the FÁS CE scheme.
I assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to fulfilling the undertakings it gave in respect of meeting the needs of this population group as outlined in the programme for Government.