Finian McGrath
Ceist:592 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation regarding the proposed Disability Bill. [13167/02]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
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. In the areas of intellectual disability and autism this will mean: 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 the areas of physical and sensory disability it will mean: 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 toward the under-resourcing of the voluntary sector; €1.27 million towards the mainstreaming of the FÁS CE scheme.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to fulfilling the undertakings which it gave in relation to meeting the needs of this population group as outlined in the programme for Government.