David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I am not surprised that the Minister has decided not to answer the question asked and that he has passed responsibility to other Departments. Is he aware that the 2007 report of the Comptroller and Auditor General states the HSE has diverted funding in the order of €31 million from disability services? This is causing considerable hardship. What is the Department of Finance doing to ensure that spending by the HSE can be tracked to maintain the integrity of the Government's commitments regarding disability and mental health, both under multi-annual funding and other service plan elements? Is he aware that the 2007 national service plan, as finalised, outlined an agreed level of health and personal social services to be provided by the HSE from 2007? What role has the Department of Finance in signing off on this commitment?

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