Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1392. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding community supports for disabled persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32731/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overall health budget for 2018 is in the region of €15.5 billion, which represents an increased budget of over €600 million compared to 2017. This represents the fourth year in a row where significant additional resources have been allocated to the health services.
The Health Executive (HSE) is committed to protecting the level of Personal Assistant services available to persons with disabilities.
In the 2018 National Service Plan, the HSE's priority is to provide 1.46 million hours of personal assistance to more than 2,000 people with a disability, representing an increase of 60,000 hours over the 2017 target of 1.4 million hours.
As the Deputy's question relates to services matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
