Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if additional funding will be allocated in order that extra personal assistants will be provided to persons with disabilities. [12015/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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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 personal assistants.

As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme, 2006-2009, 250,000 extra hours of home support and personal assistance will be provided each year in line with the philosophy of supporting independent living for persons with a disability. Taking account of the 200,000 extra hours being provided in 2005, this will give a total of 1,200,000 extra hours.