Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will detail the engagement she and her Department have had with a foundation (details supplied); if she will confirm that it is her Department's intention to provide the maximum support to this foundation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40918/10]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I met with the Jack and Jill Foundation on Tuesday 12th October last. The Health Service Executive was also represented at the meeting. We discussed a range of issues including additional State funding. I will continue to engage with the Jack and Jill Foundation. Both the Minister and I and the Health Service Executive recognise the valuable contribution that the many agencies and charities make in the provision of health and personal social services to people with a disability.

Reflecting the current economic situation the health sector must manage service levels within available resources. The HSE together with the 'non-statutory organisations' who provide services on behalf of the HSE, will continue to review how these services are provided in order to protect the delivery of front line services as much as possible. In the current environment, this is a challenge for all, including the HSE and non statutory charity organisations. The HSE will continue to work closely with all agencies and bodies in the sector, including Jack and Jill, to provide whatever assistance it can from within its resources, in the context of the annual Service Level Agreement arrangements.

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.