Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I am replying on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I am pleased to take this opportunity to clarify the matter relating to the provision of rehabilitation for Mr. Alan McCarton.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for rehabilitation services.

The Department has made inquiries into this matter. The National Rehabilitation Hospital has confirmed that Mr. McCarton has been referred to it for assessment and it will endeavour to facilitate him as soon as possible. The Deputy will appreciate that the scheduling of admission to the hospital is a matter for the consultant concerned and is determined solely on the basis of medical priority.

It is recognised that the health funded services in the disability services sector have advanced greatly over the last number of years. It is also acknowledged, however, that further work is required in the coming years. In December 2004, the Government was in a position to announce on budget day a special disability multi-annual funding package with a total value of close to €900 million over the years 2006 to 2009. This funding is being dedicated now for the period until 2009 to ensure the delivery of these high priority disability services. This package includes guaranteed additional current spending of almost €600 million. The Government has also agreed to allocate €300 million out of the revised capital envelope to these high priority disability services.

The bulk of the new funding package will go to the health sector where it will be invested in services for persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism, services for persons with physical or sensory disabilities and mental health services. It will focus, in particular, on the provision of extra residential, respite and day places, extra home support and personal assistance and extra places in community based mental health facilities.

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