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

I thank Senator Mac Lochlainn for his comments on disability. I appreciate the work of iCare, the members of which I have met. I was involved with representatives of the Bluestack foundation last year when an issue arose at the time of the intervention. I recognise the dedication, commitment and autism support services in Senator Mac Lochlainn's community.

The HSE will continue to provide significant support services for children, young adults and their families in the north west. Alternative respite, in-home respite and community-based activity programmes are in place in the community healthcare organisation area benefitting 157 children and adults with some complex needs. I recognise the commitment of the groups raised by Senator Mac Lochlainn and I firmly believe that community and voluntary services such as those must be supported as much as possible. I accept the Senator's point that the services are essential. In this year's budget, funding of €1.9 billion was allocated by the HSE for disability services in 2019. What that means essentially is that we will 8,600 people in residential care, 27,000 people in day services, respite residential support for 182,500, personal assistance services of 1.63 million hours and home support services of 3.08 million hours. The good news for people living in institutions is that we will move 160 more people out of institutions into smaller community settings. We must invest and reform and listen to the needs of groups such as iCare and the Bluestack foundation. I am listening carefully to what the Senator says and I will push very hard on those issues.