Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I assure him that as part of the discussions on the next budget, progressing the services available to those with disabilities will be a key priority. It is something that the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, has focused on and done very strong work. The Government has taken the significant step, as part of its programme for Government commitments, to move responsibility for disability from the Department of Health to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. We have provided that Department with a budget to significantly improve services in the country. I assure the Deputy that in the context of the upcoming budget, it will remain very much to the forefront of our considerations and planning.

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