Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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153. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to address disability services in rural areas and the effects cuts to personal assistance services have had on those living in very isolated areas as is the case for persons in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10778/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The Government currently provides funding of €1.56 billion to the Disability Services Programme. The quantum of service to be provided, together with key deliverables and priorities, are outlined in the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) National Service Plan for 2016 and includes provision of the following specialist disability services:

The HSE is committed to protecting front-line services for people with disabilities, with targeted improvement in priority areas:

- the reconfiguration of children's therapy services, for which an additional €4 million has been provided;

- the provision of services for 1,500 young people leaving school and rehabilitative training, which has been allocated an additional €7.25 million;

- the development of alternative respite models, with €1 million targeted funding;

- the reconfiguration of residential services, supported by €20 million in capital funding; and

- quality improvements to increase compliance with National Standards for Residential Centres for Children and Adults with Disabilities.

Disability service provision is moving towards a community-based and inclusive model of person-centred day and residential supports, as recommended in the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services in Ireland, and is being implemented through theTransforming Livesprogramme. This transformation programme means that person-centred and individually chosen community based supports are progressively becoming the norm, and is a distinct move away from the group-based, often segregated approach of the past. This new approach will be underpinned by a more effective method of assessing need, allocating resources and monitoring resource use.

A key element of Transforming Livesis the implementation of national policy on supporting people who live in congregated settings, defined as residential settings where ten or more people with disabilities live together, to move to the community. This policy is described in the HSE’s report on Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion, and is underpinned by theNational Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011 – 2016,published jointly by the Department of Health (DoH) and the then, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG).

The HSE’s Social Care Directorate has prioritized the accelerated implementation of the de-congregation policy in 2016. The HSE's 2016 National Service Plan has set a target of 165 people to move from institutions into suitable accommodation this year. This is being supported by €20 million in capital funding from the Department of Health in respect of acquiring and renovating properties to support the de-congregation process. In addition, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government will provide €10 million under the Capital Assistance Scheme to provide suitable accommodation for people transitioning from institutions in 2016. The HSE estimate that a further 100 people could benefit from this initiative. €1 million in ring-fenced leasing funding is also being made available by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in 2016 to support people moving from institutions into suitable social housing in the community.

In total, this represents a significant investment and commitment by Government to ensure that citizens with disabilities are given the opportunity to live as ordinary a life as possible, in suitable accommodation in the community, in line with their own choices and preferences.

I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE to provide a reply detailing the provision of Disability Services in Co. Donegal. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.