Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 43: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of health professionals by grade, and the number of front line support staff who are employed in the disability services of the HSE, north-east area; the number who work in the early intervention teams for children up to six years and children between six and 18 years, and in the adult disability services in each county; and the number of persons with disabilities in each county. [8535/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the employment of health professionals. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north-east area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 44: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if County Louth is classed as a deprived county in relation to disability services; the extra resources which have been allocated to County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8536/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for disability services.

As the Deputy may be aware my colleague, the Minister for Finance in his 2005 budget made available additional funding in the sum of €55 million for services to persons with an intellectual, physical or sensory disability and those with autism. Additional capital funding of €34 million has also been provided in 2005.

Furthermore, when launching the national disability strategy, the Taoiseach announced the Government's commitment to a multi-annual investment programme for disability specific services over the next five years, details of which were announced on budget day. The investment programme for disability specific services will have a total cumulative value of €900 million for the period 2006-09. It will be a matter for the Health Service Executive to allocate this funding.

Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north-east area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.