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

Of course, I agree that the issue is not generic. I have listened very carefully to the Deputy as he outlined the two cases. To answer one of his questions, 242 patients are awaiting admission to the National Rehabilitation Hospital.

On the broader issue, the HSE funds the National Rehabilitation Hospital to a figure of approximately €29 million annually under section 38 of the Health Act 2004. Services are provided under a service level agreement which is reviewed on an annual basis. The HSE is committed to protecting the level of personal assistant and home support services available to persons with disabilities. In its 2019 national service plan the HSE's priority is to provide 1.63 million personal assistance hours for more than 2,500 people with a disability, which represents an increase of 170,000 hours on the 2018 target of 1.46 million hours. The HSE will also provide 3.08 million home care support hours for adults and children with a disability, which represents an increase of 150,000 hours on the 2018 target of 2.93 million hours.

Resource allocations are determined by the needs of individuals, compliance with prioritisation criteria and the level of resources available. Like every service, limitless resources are not available for the provision of home support services and while the resources available are substantial, they are finite. In that context, services are discretionary. The number of hours granted is also determined in the context of the other support services already provided for the person or family concerned.

There is a need for increased services. I will take on that issue. The HSE will continue to work with the agencies to explore various ways by which they can respond in line with the budget available. These are genuine cases that deserve our support. I will agree to engaging with the HSE and taking on these cases. We all accept that we have to do more to provide services for people with disabilities.

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