Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Murphy O'Mahony and Smyth for raising this important issue. I know they care passionately and genuinely about disabilities. They have campaigned for and supported developments for the last number of years. I thank them for giving me the opportunity to outline the position in relation to RehabCare. The Government is committed to providing services and supports to people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in A Programme for a Partnership Government and it is guided by two principles, namely equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for all people with disabilities. Significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services over the past number of years. This year alone, the Health Service Executive has allocated €1.9 billion to its disability services programme, which represents an increase of €346 million since 2016. This is the highest ever level of funding in the history of the State. I thank my colleagues opposite for their support in that regard. I recognise that support.

I acknowledge the important services and the commitment to people with disabilities and their families provided by the staff of the Rehab Group. The Rehab Group provides short-term and long-term services to young people and adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities, mental health difficulties, autism and acquired brain injury. Services are co-ordinated through Rehab's three service delivery divisions, RehabCare, the National Learning Network and Rehab Enterprises. RehabCare provides health and social care supports to about 3,000 adults and children each year, enabling them to become active members of their own communities, achieve life goals and experience new opportunities. The National Learning Network provides a range of flexible training courses and support services for some 5,000 students, including jobseekers and people with an illness or disability, from age 16 upwards who need specialist support in 50 centres around the country. The National Learning Network provides a wide range of vocational training and education programmes which are funded by SOLAS, as well as rehabilitative training, funded by the HSE. Rehab Enterprises does not receive funding from the HSE. The Rehab Group is funded by the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act and operates in all nine HSE CHO areas. Services are provided through a service arrangement which is signed on an annual basis and reviewed continually. The 2019 budget allocation for the Rehab Group is €56.1 million, which is €1 million more than in the previous year.

Last Tuesday, the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, and I held a joint meeting with Rehab and the HSE. I have met representatives from the Rehab Group and many families of service users personally over the last three years also. Arising from reported financial challenges, Rehab and the HSE have committed to work intensively with a view to understanding the group's financial position and cost base. My primary concern is to ensure continuity of disability services for service users and their families, delivered in line with strong governance mechanisms in a cost-effective and equitable manner which is consistent with care and support needs.

RehabCare has agreed not to issue a notice of termination, pending the outcome of this intensive work with the HSE. The Minister and I have committed to meeting RehabCare and the HSE tomorrow, Wednesday, 15 May, at 5 p.m. The answer is that I am pushing this agenda very strongly and I thank the Minister for his support.

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