Disability Services Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Ceisteanna (558, 571, 686, 722)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

558. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4417/20]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

571. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health his plans in view of the funding deficit that a service (details supplied) is experiencing and which may result in the inability to continue providing services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4471/20]

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

686. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter in respect of funding for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4795/20]

Norma Foley

Ceist:

722. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide support to a service (details supplied) in view of recent statements regarding funding deficits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5000/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Finian McGrath)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 558, 571, 686 and 722 together.

As Minister of State for Disabilities, my primary concern is to ensure the continuity of services for people with disabilities and those with mental health issues, delivered in line with strong governance mechanisms in a cost-effective and equitable manner, consistent with their care and support needs.

St. John of God Community Services provides vital health and social care services for people with disabilities and those experiencing mental health issues on behalf of the Health Service Executive (HSE) under service arrangements. As such the quantum of service to be delivered under such service arrangements and the associated annual funding levels are operational matters for the HSE.

I am aware that the HSE has been actively engaging with St. John of God Community Services to support the organisation in its role over the past number of years. In the context of the COVID-19 public health emergency, I understand that the HSE has assured St John of God Community Services of its continued support and access to operational funding requirements throughout the current crisis in the interests of maintaining essential supports for service users and their families.