Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 69: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if extra finance for services for persons with disabilities announced in budget 2005 has been spent; and if she will make a statement on the amount which was spent on providing extra services for people with disabilities. [17677/05]

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 the Disability Bill 2004, the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004, six outline sectoral plans and a commitment to a 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.

The 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 to 2009 which includes an allocation of €300 million out of the revised capital envelope to these high priority disability services. The amounts allocated for 2005 are €70.39 million and €34 million in respect of revenue and capital funding respectively. To ensure that the various elements of this additional funding are targeted to meet the priority needs which have been agreed a protocol has been developed by my Department with the Health Service Executive to facilitate the monitoring of the specific investment programme in disability services under the national disability strategy. In this regard, the Health Service Executive has established a disability policy and legislation standing group which has been working with my Department in relation to the implementation of the national disability strategy and the roll-out of the new disability legislation.

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 funding of services for people with disabilities. I am requesting the Health Service Executive's national director for primary, community and continuing care to provide the information for 2005 and I will reply directly to the Deputy.