Mr. Bernard Gloster:

There are two things to say in that regard. Like all of our services that are essential on the ground, disability as a function has transferred from the Department of Health to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. I met with the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, last week. We are not planning on taking any measures during the remainder of this year that would impact the service delivery system for people with a disability. There may be challenges in the management and administration piece. I referenced a moment ago what I introduced yesterday. Vacancies that arise in management and administration grades in the disability area will be filled through internal redeployment or expression of interest, as is the case for all other parts of the health service that are seen as critical to front-line services. I do not envisage any immediate impact there. The budget position for 2024 will determine the level of service we can afford to provide. It has certainly been made clear to me since I came into office that, coming into 2024, I can only spend what I have. The Deputy will have seen that in the public domain over the last two weeks.