Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 133: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if improved psychiatric, speech and language, physiotherapy and occupational therapy services will be provided to schools to enable them to meet their responsibilities under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10105/06]

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

An integral part of the national disability strategy is the implementation of the provisions of the two major legislative measures which have been enacted recently, the Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, both of which have significant implications for the planning and delivery of health and personal social services for people with disabilities. Additional funding of €155 million has been allocated to services for people with disabilities in 2006. Of this funding, €59 million is being provided to meet costs associated with the various elements of this programme.

The bulk of the balance of the €41 million revenue provided in 2006 is being used to enhance the multi-disciplinary support services for people with disabilities, in line with the Government's commitment to build capacity within the health services to deliver on the various legislative provisions contained in the national disability strategy, with a priority in 2006 on enhancing the assessment and support services for children with disabilities. As outlined in the multi-annual investment programme 2006-09, additional capital funding amounting to €55 million is also being provided in 2006 to support these developments.