Denis Naughten
Ceist:351 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding in 2003 for new developments in the physical disability sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4360/03]
Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.
The overall economic position in 2003 has had implications for all aspects of public investment, and this is reflected in the Estimates and budget adopted by the Government for 2003. Within this overall framework, however, some two thirds of the additional funding available for non-capital investment in services has been allocated to the health services. This funding is being applied largely to maintaining existing levels of service across all service programmes, including services for people with a physical disability.
Significant additional funding in the region of €180 million has been provided by this Government since 1997 for physical and sensory disability services. This level of funding is indicative of the Government's ongoing commitment to the provision of quality services and includes €60 million ongoing funding for the development of services, including residential, respite, home support and personal assistance, and therapy services.
While it is regrettable that the level of investment in these services achieved in recent years could not be maintained in 2003, my Department will work closely with the health boards and other service providers in relation to service provision this year.