Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy McGuinness for raising the important matter of supports for people with disabilities, in particular SOS Kilkenny. The Deputy speaks about respite care and the business cases, and I take his point that it is about services for individual humans. I note his request that all three decisions be taken as quickly as possible. As I have said, the need for the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, to support organisations is recognised in the €100 million inflationary support fund in 2023. We also note, as has the Deputy, that SOS Kilkenny received once-off funding last year. I have outlined the significant investment in disability services and referenced the disability capacity review. The forthcoming disability action plan details how the recommendations of the capacity review will be implemented in the coming years.

In 2021, the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte published the disability capacity review, which outlined the capacity and needs for a growing and ageing population and increasing demand for specialised needs, including residential services and care up to 2032. The aim of all our efforts is to support those with a disability and with specialised needs to live ordinary lives in ordinary places.

The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, is fully aware of SOS Kilkenny. I think she has visited it, and has obviously met with the CEO, Francis Coughlan. She is fully aware of the great work the organisation does. I had a discussion with the Minister of State and her advisers before I came in because I wanted to update Deputy McGuinness. I am fully aware that funding is under consideration with the HSE and it is looking to make a decision as quickly as possible. I thank the Deputy again.

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