Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 139: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the additional provision which is being made by her for services that will be required following the coming into operation of the Disability Act 2005; the locations and facilities in which these services will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28944/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I believe the Deputy is referring to the services which will be put in place as a result of the multi-annual investment programme announced as part of the national disability strategy, which includes the Disability Act 2005. The multi-annual investment programme is being introduced to support the development of high priority disability services over the period 2006-09. The cumulative additional spend over this period will total almost €900 million.

Additional revenue funding of €70 million and capital funding of €60 million provided in 2005 for services for people with physical, sensory, intellectual disabilities, autism and mental illness is being used to put in place a broad range of new and enhanced services throughout the country. These include, among others, new residential, respite, day and home support services, together with enhanced access to child and adolescent mental health treatment services.

As part of my Department's Estimates discussions with the Department of Finance, an increase in funding is being sought in 2006 to achieve the targets set out for residential, respite, day and other services and for other key supports required which were not provided for in the multi-annual investment programme. The locations and facilities in which these services will be provided are a matter for the Health Service Executive.