John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise the valuable contribution made by the many agencies and charities to the provision of health and personal social services for people with a disability.

Reflecting the current economic situation the HSE must manage service levels within available resources. In the current environment, this is a challenge for all, including the HSE and non statutory charity organisations. By working together and finding innovative ways to provide value for money we can help to protect services. With this in mind we must improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disability funding. There are many organisations providing services to people with a disability. It is essential that organisations operate models of service that maximise the significant resources available. The HSE will work closely with all agencies and bodies in the sector to maximise their efficiency and effectiveness, in the context of the annual Service Level Agreement arrangements.

Deliberations by the Government on the expenditure allocations for next year are continuing in the context of the forthcoming Budget. The very difficult financial position facing the country will obviously require very careful management across all areas of expenditure, including the disability sector. Notwithstanding this difficult financial environment, the Government is determined to do everything possible to protect patient services, to respond to priority demographic and other needs, and to support ongoing reform of the public heath services within the resources available for health.