John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Rather than going door to door in the hope of securing support in respect of elements people may not like, I want to take the opportunity to explain what is happening. I accept that certain Members do not wish to hear what I have to say, but I want to reaffirm the Government's commitment in respect of the areas under discussion. In that context, it is important to state that the funding to which I refer is in addition to the significant moneys provided in respect of mainstream health services, which can also be availed of by those with disabilities.

I wish to revisit the Government policy programme, namely, the multi-annual investment programme, that won widespread acclaim. In 2006, €550 million was allocated to the HSE under the multi-annual investment programme, which is a key component of the Government's national disability strategy. Of this, €425 million related to services for people with disabilities and the other €125 million related to mental health services.

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