Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 746: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 291 of 20 June 2006, if core funding has been provided to the Irish Wheelchair Association to mainstream services currently provided by community employment participants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29431/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The mainstreaming of core services for people with a disability is a matter in the first instance for the Health Service Executive to examine and evaluate. The Social Partnership agreement "Towards 2016" states: "in its consideration of the core funding requirements of agencies providing services for people with disabilities, the HSE will be asked to take into account the appropriateness of core funding essential health personal social services." The HSE is prepared to consider claims for the substitution of permanent staff for CE personnel, where such proposals merit a high priority as service developments.

At a meeting last week with the Minister for Health and Children, the Irish Wheelchair Association submitted its current estimate of the cost of mainstreaming its services. These costings will be examined by the Department, in consultation with the HSE.