Róisín Shortall
Ceist:523. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the total number of extra personal hours budgeted for in 2017 arising from budget 2017; and the amount set aside for extra hours in 2017. [30834/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 October 2016
Ceisteanna (523)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
With regard to assisted living services, the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) priority in the 2016 National Service Plan has been to protect the level of services provided in 2015. That said, the need for increased Personal Assistant services is acknowledged.
I am very pleased that as part of Budget 2017, I have been able to both protect significant existing resources and obtain additional funding for disability services. The allocation for disability services will rise to over €1.654 billion in 2017, as compared with the 2016 allocation of €1.562 billion. The HSE will consider the provision of Personal Assistant services within the overall increased envelope of funding for disability services, as part of its preparation of the National Service Plan for 2017.