Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My question to the Tánaiste relates to the funding of the health service, in particular to the programme for Government and the funding of voluntary organisations. As the Tánaiste is aware, earlier this week Rehab issued a statement that it may have to terminate its contracts of care with the HSE because of inadequate Government funding, as its service level agreement requires it to give one year's notice. The issue arises because section 39 organisations such as Rehab must comply with increased regulation, standards and demand for their services, yet there is no adequate Government funding to respond to the increased demands. That is an issue that faces many section 39 organisations, not just Rehab.

An independent review group reported recently on the services supplied by section 39 organisations and it made two recommendations. The first is to move to multi-annual funding so that they can plan their services in a more meaningful manner. The second is that there needs to be a meaningful review of the funding of section 39 organisations. Could the Tánaiste tell me when the recommendations will be acted upon?

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