Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 257: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the time in Irish history when the Government passed a Disability Act which claims to protect and develop services for people with disabilities; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that it is unsatisfactory that the most vital and basic services are being delivered by community employment scheme participants; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the use of community employment employees is no longer sufficient or appropriate to supply necessary services to groups (details supplied) due to the non-continuance of service as there is a time limit on these schemes; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that 3,000 people weekly rely on these services; her plans to rectify this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2147/06]

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

In the Estimates for 2006 which were recently published, significant additional funding was included for the improvement of services for people with disabilities. As part of this provision, funding is being made available to address core under-funding and core staffing issues in services provided by the non-statutory sector. The Health Service Executive will be asked to allocate this funding on an equitable basis, having regard to the needs of people with disabilities. I expect that the executive's consideration of these needs will take into account those services which are currently staffed through community employment schemes.