Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2012
742 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the provision of personal assistants for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11391/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives.
In 2011, a total of 1.68 million personal assistant/home support hours were provided to 11,571 persons with physical and/or sensory disability. Although the funding allocated to disability services has been cut by 3.7%, the HSE aims to maintain this level of service in 2012. Service efficiencies will be achieved through a process of negotiation with service providers around the unit cost of providing the service rather than reducing the number of hours or the pay of personal assistants.
