Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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972. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33765/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive are working in a structured way towards the development and implementation of an individualised budgeting framework in the context of implementing the recommendations in the Value for Money (VFM) and Policy Review of Disability Services in Ireland. The move towards individualised budgeting also mirrors the wider changes in the health sector described in Future Health: A Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service 2012 – 2015.

The move towards an individualised budgeting framework raises legal and practical issues, and will require careful consideration and planning. Future Healthexplains that central to the introduction of individualised budgeting will be suitable financial systems; transparent and comprehensive governance arrangements; a National Standard Needs Assessment framework; underpinning legislation and the introduction of a regulatory system for providers to ensure quality and safety for the recipients of social services.

Demonstration projects are already underway to examine the practical aspects of introducing this major change in the disability sector and to establish the costs and benefits. An analysis of the projects will be necessary to determine their wider applicability, clarify the issues which must be resolved before the projects can be scaled up, and identify the best way forward.The completion of this analysis is a primary recommendation in the VFM Review and is required for all significant public service expenditure proposals.