Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am sorry, but I have just outlined the position.

The other question was about disability services. Since 2004, we have seen multi-annual budgetary commitments being made to the disability sector. These were instigated in my own time and I continue to show a commitment to them. We have seen a consistent increase in the numbers being provided with services. This year, we are providing 30,000 people with day services, 8,800 with residential care services and 7,200 with respite services. That is a large increase on what was the case some years ago.

The HSE is currently reviewing its overall financial position for the year. The roll-out of planned developments in disability services is being considered in that context. The Minister for Health and Children has been in communication with the HSE with a view to an early determination on the matter. The HSE agreed with the Department that the allocation of the funding for this year should provide 200 extra residential places for people with intellectual disability, 53 respite places, 450 day places, 80 residential places for people with physical and sensory disability and 250,000 hours of personal assistance and home support services, as well as a number of posts for providing assessment and ongoing interventions. This is mainly for children under five, which was the agreement under the Disability Act 2005 and with the disability sector. There is also a review of all this under the Towards 2016 discussions in the social partnership context.

There has been a considerable increase and there will continue to be services provided for people with disability. The Deputy continues to portray the HSE negatively in everything that it does. However, it is fair to point out that in its report on its activities for 2007, it exceeded the service plan levels of activity in many areas.

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