Tom McEllistrim (Kerry North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 61: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the scope of the development of health policy and services for persons who are deaf and hard of hearing; and the number of beneficiaries of such services on a national and county basis. [16752/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The national disability strategy provides a framework of positive action measures to support participation by people with disabilities in Irish society. The strategy consists of four elements: the Disability Bill 2004, the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004, six outline sectoral plans and a commitment to multi-annual investment.

The strategic review of services being undertaken by my Department is examining the significant level of service provision which is already in place, focusing on specific issues which are of concern to people with disabilities and their families and carers, together with statutory and voluntary bodies in this area, with an opportunity to input into the planning and delivery of services over the coming years.

This Government announced on budget day a special disability multi-annual funding package with a total value of close to €900 million over the years 2006-09 and the Government has also agreed to allocate €300 million out of the revised capital envelope to these high-priority disability services.

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 provision of such services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Accordingly, my Department has requested the executive's national director for primary, community and continuing care to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.