I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 to 284, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
Budget 2017 includes an increased allocation to the Disability Services Programme to address a number of key priorities in the Programme for Partnership Government. 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.
In the Health Service Executive's, HSE's, Social Care Operational Plan for 2017, 6,320 people with a disability are expected to avail of centre based respite services totalling 182,506 overnights. Based on existing levels of service and in addition to the centre-based respite service, it’s planned that between 2,000 and 2,500 persons will avail of respite services such as holiday respite or occasional respite with a host family. It is also planned that based on existing levels of service, a further 41,100 day-only respite sessions will be accessed by people with a disability.
In addition, the HSE has been funded to provide 185 new emergency residential placements and new home support and in-home respite for 210 additional people who require emergency supports has been allocated. This marks a significant change in the way that respite services are delivered.
The HSE continues to work with agencies to explore various ways of responding to this need in line with the budget available. As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.