Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I hope it is not myself. To return to section 38 and 39, staff migration is an issue. I have raised it with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe. I agree that we must retain people in these services, because otherwise the services are going to be damaged. This is in the interests of people with disabilities. I am working closely with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this issue.

On the issue raised by Senator Colm Burke concerning respite care, we have to develop the respite care service. I accept that argument. We have started work on that. For example, last year we planned for 182,000 respite overnights and 41,000 respite day places. We also have 210 new home support hours for families. I mentioned earlier that families should not forget that we have restored the carer's grant, which was formerly known as the respite carer's grant, which amounts to €1,700 per family. That allows people to access and buy respite services. We have choices in respite services. We have to make plans for such services, and we have many such plans. The COPE foundation was mentioned. In 2016, the COPE foundation got €47.5 million in funding, but in 2017, we are going to give it €49.6 million. That €49.6 million includes €317,000 in a full year for respite services and a €45,000 once-off payment for the extension of the day service building. We are investing in the services, but we are also reforming the services in the interests of the person with disability.

On Senator Dolan's point about progress in other Departments, disability is not just part of the health, social protection or justice areas. It applies right across every Department. The national disability inclusion strategy contains many themes, which are equality, choice, joined-up policy, public services, education, employment, health and well-being, person-centred disabilities services, living in the community, transport and accessible places. In all, 32 key objectives are identified. The whole issue of disability has to be broadened out and the services have to be developed.

My focus is on three things. First, we must reform disability services. Second, we must invest in disability services. Third, we have to design the service around the person with the disability, whether it is a physical or intellectual disability.

Perhaps some of my colleagues might answer some of the other queries.