Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2017
344. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding investment in new service developments for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40492/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra345. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the level of unmet needs of persons with intellectual disabilities aged 55 and older; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40493/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra347. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on whether there is a model imperative to ensure that the support needs of persons with intellectual disabilities are prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40495/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra348. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will invest €200 million in new service developments for persons with intellectual disabilities in each of the next five years commencing with budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40496/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 344, 345, 347 and 348 together.
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.
Funding of €1.69 billion was allocated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) for disability services in 2017. This represented an increased allocation of €130 million compared to the previous year. Funding in 2017 has supported the provision of a wide range of services to people with disabilities as follows:
|
Disability Services Programme: €1.69 billion 2017 |
Quantum of Services |
|
Residential services |
9,000 people |
|
Day services |
Over 22,000 people |
|
Respite residential support |
182,500 overnights |
|
Personal Assistant services |
1.4 million hours |
|
Home Support services |
2.75 million hours |
|
Move from institutions to homes in the community |
223 people |
In addition, 2017 has seen targeted improvements in a number of priority areas. These include the reconfiguration of disability residential services, supported by €20 million in capital funding and by the Service Reform Fund and improved compliance with National Standards for Residential Centres for Children and Adults with Disabilities.
My Department is currently engaged in discussions with the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the Estimates Process for Budget 2018. Pending the conclusion of these discussions, I am not in a position to comment on the level of funding that will be available in 2018 for disability services.
