Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will set out the level of cuts to supports for disability services in 2013; if he will address the funding crisis which is affecting disability services, including day care, residential care, respite and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57002/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The funding situation for the disability sector in 2013 is not yet available pending the finalisation of the HSE's National Service Plan for 2013. Savings required globally from the Health Budget will have an impact on all services, including disability services, and it is expected that these will be outlined when the Minister for Health approves the National Service Plan in the near future.

I have made it clear to the HSE that the frontline services should be protected to the greatest possible extent with the needs of patients being central to any decision making.