Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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650. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a placement in a training centre in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [31594/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Although the 2013 allocation for disability services has been reduced by 1.2%, the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Service Plan includes an additional €4m to provide training places and day services for school-leavers and Rehabilitative / Lifeskills Training (RT) graduates in 2013. This funding is being allocated to each HSE Region based on its percentage of population. Both the voluntary sector and the HSE are committed to the best use of the funding in a creative and flexible manner so as to secure as many places as possible for this cohort.

The demand for services for school-leavers continues to grow. Information on the final numbers of young people who require training places or day supports is being collated and plans to meet their requirements finalised. Final figures are expected from the HSE shortly, but are likely to exceed last year’s total of 700. Providing the level of services required within the additional funding provided will continue to be a challenge. Work in this area will be progressed largely in line with the HSE guidance document developed in 2012, which led to the successful placement of 99% of RT graduates and 96% of school leavers last year.

In respect of the specific question asked by the Deputy, as it relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.