Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)

This Commencement matter was submitted to the Department of Health and then forwarded over to the Minister, Deputy Foley who I answer it on behalf of.

I thank the Senator for raising this important issue and for offering me the opportunity to respond. HSE disability services has allocated funding on an annual basis to provide a range of services throughout the country. Funding is spent in line with nationally agreed policy for disability services, while at the same time endeavouring to maximise value. Services include residential and respite services, day services, PA and home support services, and therapeutic supports. Disability services are provided based on the presenting needs of an individual rather than by the diagnosis of the individual or the actual type of disability or service required. Services are provided following individual assessment according to the persons individual requirements and care needs.

The HSE works in partnership with organisations including section 38, section 39, out-of-State and for-profit organisations to ensure the best level of service possible is provided to people with a disability, and their families within the available resources.The majority of specialised disability provision, which is 80%, is delivered through non-statutory sector service providers. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland, MS Ireland, provides a range of services and resources to the whole MS community: those with MS, family members, employers and health professionals.

Of the circa 850,000 people living with a neurological condition in Ireland, it is estimated that approximately 9,000 people are living with MS. Through its regional community workers, MS Ireland organises a range of living with MS programmes, workshops and activities throughout the country that are targeted at various groups such as those newly diagnosed, carers, children of parents with MS and health professionals. Programmes include physical therapies, symptom management, and information and education seminars. MS Ireland provides services at a local and national level. Locally, its team of regional workers provide one-to-one and group support and its 39 voluntary branches provide opportunities to socialise, share experiences and avail of services.

MS Ireland also operates a confidential helpline that provides immediate information and support to those affected by MS. MS Ireland receives funding from the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act 2004. In 2023, MS Ireland received more than €3 million from the HSE to support its services. The funding is governed by a number of service arrangements in seven of the nine former CHO areas, which identify service delivery provided by the agency in return for the money being provided to it.