David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the 2009 funding allocation for disability services under the multi-annual investment programme 2006 to 2009; the expenditure under this programme each year respectively since it began; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39242/08]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the Budget 2009 allocation for the advancement of the National Disability Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39279/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.

My Department allocates funds annually to individual local authorities on the basis of priority areas identified by them for capital and current expenditure each year. Capital funds are intended to address the priority needs of people with a disability by providing and improving accessibility to public buildings, roads, footpaths, beaches, amenity areas, heritage sites and swimming pools. Current funding provides for disability awareness training, accessibility audits, adapting information systems, and equipment to improve accessibility of public services.

The annual expenditure on the National Disability Strategy is as follows:

2005: €10,568,148;

2006: €17,488,090;

2007: €15,074,001;

2008: €1,983,118 (year-to-date).

I have allocated a total of €15 million for 2008 and expect that the balance will be drawn down by the end of the year. A provision of €14 million is included in my Department's expenditure estimates for 2009, consisting of €10 million capital and €4 million current.