Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2005
84 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total funding given to the HSE in 2005 for development funding; the projects which will be funded by these resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7336/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revised Estimates Volume 2005 shows a gross current figure of €10.975 billion for the HSE's Vote 40. This is an increase of €1.209 billion or 12.4% over the 2004 notional out-turn. The 2005 figure includes funding for technical adjustments necessary due to the establishment of the new HSE Vote, as explained in the Revised Estimates Volume 2005.
Within the overall increase for the HSE, an additional €200 million is provided for three specific priority areas in the coming year. This funding is made up of a package of €70 million to allow for a "whole system" approach to improving accident and emergency services; an additional €60 million for the extension of the medical card scheme to a further 230,000 people, including €30 million for an additional 30,000 full medical cards and €30 million for the introduction of approximately 200,000 new doctor visit cards in 2005; and €70 million for disability services, comprising €40 million for the intellectual disability sector and €15 million each for physical and sensory disability and mental health services.
85 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the timescale and amount of development funding for key priorities announced during the publication of the Estimates and Budget 2005 package for accident and emergency and disability services; when patients can expect to avail of these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7337/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn publication of the Estimates for 2005, I announced a ten point action plan to improve the delivery of accident and emergency services. Additional revenue funding of €70 million and additional capital funding of €10 million is available to the Health Service Executive this year for these initiatives. I have met with senior management of the HSE and my Department is working closely with the HSE to ensure the early implementation of these measures.
Reported progress to date confirms that HSE plans to put the necessary measures in place are well advanced. Some improvements, for example the discharge of patients to nursing home care, are expected to materialise shortly while others will require further time to be fully implemented. My Department will continue to monitor progress in this regard.
In November 2004, I also announced additional revenue funding of €70 million as part of a special revenue development fund for services for people with disabilities. Additional capital funding of €60 million has also been provided to support these developments. The allocation of the €70 million funding is as follows —€40 million to services for persons with intellectual disability and those with autism; €15 million to services for persons with physical or sensory disabilities; and €15 million to mental health services.
I expect that the detail of how the disability funding is used will be fully clarified in the context of my approval of the HSE service plan for 2005. The service plan is currently under consideration by my Department and I expect to be in a position to respond to the HSE within the 21 day period specified for this purpose. It will then be a matter for the HSE to put the relevant services in place.
86 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will publish all existing uncommenced developments in each HSE area; if funding will be available in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7338/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not always possible for an agency to commence approved developments on schedule. Developments can get delayed for a number of reasons, such as the recruitment of appropriate personnel, or the acquisition of appropriate premises. When this occurs, it is normal practice for the funding to be carried forward into the following year. Accordingly, unspent development funds will form part of the service delivery, and thus form part of the following year's service plan.
In this context, I have referred this question to the Health Service Executive, requesting that it responds to the Deputy directly, outlining the extent to which unspent development funds form part of the 2005 service plan. I have requested that the HSE address this query as a matter of urgency.
87 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason core funding has been refused to a project (details supplied); if this will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7343/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the funding of projects relating to drug treatment services. Accordingly, the Department has requested the HSE to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
