Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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48. To ask the Minister for Health if he will support the Prosper Fingal disability group and the services it provides in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6899/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Prosper Fingal was established in 1978 as a parents and friends organisation (formerly called The Fingal Association for the Handicapped), to provide a local day service for adults with a moderate or mild learning disability. The aim of the organisation is to "enable people with disabilities develop their true potential towards full and independent participation in society". Prosper Fingal provides personal and social services to adults with an intellectual disability on behalf of the Health Service Executive under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004. Services are provided through a Service Arrangement which is reviewed on an annual basis.

The Government currently provides funding of approximately €1.4 billion to the Disability Services Programme through the HSE's National Service Plan for 2014. In 2014, the HSE is seeking to maximise the provision of services within available resources and to maintaining a consistent level to that provided in 2013, by providing the following specialist disability services:

- residential services to over 9,000 people with a disability;

- day services to over 22,000 people with intellectual and physical disabilities;

- respite residential support for over 6,000 people with intellectual and physical disabilities;

- 3.7 million hours of Personal Assistant / Home Support

- €7 million to provide additional places for school-leavers and those leaving Rehabilitative training,

- €3 million to provide emergency placements, and

- €4 million to deliver the required increase in services for children with disabilities, including autism, and to reduce waiting lists under the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18s) Programme.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.