Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this issue on the Adjournment and the Minister of State, Deputy Smith, for his attendance. I welcome the Government's additional allocation of €50 million to disability services in budget 2008. I ask the Minister of State for an update on the projects to which this money is being allocated. In particular, I seek an assurance that this funding will be ring-fenced for disability services.

I understand several service level agreements between the Health Service Executive and disability service providers are due for renewal. At present, the obligation placed on service providers relates purely to service quantity. Will the Minister of State use his influence to ensure the new service level agreements that will shortly be entered into between the HSE and service providers will include an obligation in regard to quality of service and the implementation of guidelines for the investigation of allegations of non-accidental injury and abuse? I welcome the recently issued draft quality standards in respect of residential services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Will the Minister of State provide an assurance that any such guidelines and standards, when finalised and adopted, will form part of the service level agreements between the HSE and service providers?

Will the Minister of State provide an update on the revision of the Children First guidelines? I understand this revision commenced approximately 18 months ago and that the initial draft is awaited. The inclusion of an obligation regarding quality of service and the implementation of guidelines for the management of allegations of non-accidental injury and abuse is of particular importance given that State money will fund these services. It is essential that we learn from the past by ensuring services provided for persons with disabilities are both safe and of a quality to enable these vulnerable individuals to enjoy a good quality of life and to have the opportunity to realise their full potential and participate fully in society.