Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Deputy has clarified that aspect of it. I suspected that it might be a reconfiguration of the hospital because HIQA's guidelines said that what was there was not optimal. I will get a report on it. I met with the HSE South team last week. The need for additional beds outside acute hospitals to provide placements for people is an area of considerable concern to it. I know it is engaging with many providers to get additional capacity. The money is there to get additional capacity and it needs to procure it.

On disability, of the additional €10 million, some €7.5 million will go to disability day services. There will be an extra day a week for over 14,000 adults. The other €2.5 million will go to 210 intensive support packages to enable young adults with complex or high support needs to remain at home and in their communities. The packages are person-centred and tailored to the needs of the individual and their families. It is a resource-intense area, but it is needed. It will help people in their homes. We must continue to build on that.

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