Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Conway-Walsh for making that point. It is absolutely my duty, as the Minister of State with responsibility for disability issues, to listen to the words of those families. I wish to reassure Members that the Government's ongoing priority is to ensure access and provision of services for people with a disability. In the context of recent debates on the Estimates for the budget, I note that in 2018, funding of €1.772 billion has been provided for health, for personal and social services and for a wide and complex range of services and supports for people with a disability. This is €91.9 million more than was available last year. This year we are providing more than 8,300 residential places through the HSE, as well as emergency supports for 385 people. We also will support 182,000 respite nights and 42,500 day respite sessions to families in need across the State.

I recognise that first-class early intervention services for children with a disability are paramount. I accept the Senator's arguments. The services need to be improved and organised more effectively. This process has now started and is under way nationwide. Health-related therapy supports and interventions for children with a disability are continuing to be developed. I do not do empathy. I do not do excuses. I do, however, accept the Senator's point that we must have accountability and to invest in the services. My vision for disability services is to invest in and reform the services but above all, to put the person and the family at the centre of the service.