Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are huge funding deficits in our disability services, especially in the voluntary sector, not just in Mayo but across the country as well. The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, is doing good work to bridge the gap in this year’s budget. Earlier this week, I spoke to the board of management of Western Care Association. The board outlined the association's ongoing challenges in the context of supporting those with disabilities. It is currently operating a deficit of over €8.8 million. That includes €3.1 million to maintain its existing level of service delivery, €2 million for additional capital investment in new vehicles, facilities and IT and €3.1 million for additional new business cases and funding for a workforce plan to mitigate high risk. That is not including the €2.7 million for HIQA registration for residential services at 42 locations. Without organisations such as Western Care Association, other voluntary disability services, carers and families of those with all levels of disability will be lost. Will the Government prioritise funding for the delivery of the disability capacity review? Will it seek pay parity for those working in section 39 organisations?

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