Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We have also used current budget surpluses over that period as a means of providing an enhanced capital programme to try to build up the capacity of the country.

Regarding the specific issue raised this morning, I am glad to say that my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy John Moloney, has been able to ensure that the provision of those services arising out of the extra €50 million for disability services that we are providing this year will come through. The 2008 service plan as set out by the HSE will be met. This follows from €75 million extra the previous year and €75 million extra the year before that again. That is not to suggest we have everything sorted out in the disability sector. However, the commitment of the Government compares very favourably to any Government of which Deputy Gilmore was a member.

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