Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 114: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the additional funding provided in 2004 and 2005 to programmes aimed at satisfying the mental health elements of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 and the Disability Act 2005; what these programmes are; the allocation of funds for such programmes planned for the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8591/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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An integral part of the national disability strategy is the implementation of the provisions of the Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. The multi-annual investment programme for disability services, published in December 2004 by the Government, contained details of specific commitments on the provision of specific high-priority disability services over the period 2006 to 2009. This programme, together with the enhancement of other key support services, will be a key factor in building additional capacity in health services, including mental health services.

The cumulative value of the multi-annual investment programme when published was €900 million, the bulk of which to be spent on health services. In 2005 the Department made available an additional €15 million for the further development of mental health services. Details of the services provided are a matter for the Health Service Executive.