Disability Services Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2016

Thursday, 27 October 2016

Ceisteanna (147)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

147. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if, in conjunction with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, projections have been made in respect of the level of local property tax increase necessary to ensure the long-term funding of local authorities in respect of the additional demands being imposed upon them consequent on his Department's combined policies of decongregation and implementation of the social care model for adults with a learning disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32506/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Minister for Health has no role in relation to the setting of property tax or the funding of Local Authorities.

National policy on decongregation is designed to ensure that people with disabilities are empowered to live independent lives in a place of their own choosing. Under the National Housing Strategy for people with a disability, Local Authorities play a role in relation to providing housing for people moving out of congregated settings in the same way that they are required to provide social housing supports for all citizens who cannot afford to provide a home for themselves.