John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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459. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to increase the personal assistance hours for wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28532/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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In 2016, the HSE has sought to maximise the provision of health and personal social services, including personal assistant services, for people with a disability, within available resources. In their 2016 National Service Plan, the HSE's priority is to provide 1.3 million hours of personal assistance to more than 2,000 people with a disability. This is the same activity level that was funded in 2014 and 2015. PA hours are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the service is at all times responsive to client's needs and that the hours available are allocated appropriately and in a timely manner. The HSE has confirmed that in excess of €30 million is spent annually on the provision of PA Services.

The HSE funds a range of assisted living services, including personal assistant services, to support individuals to live full and independent lives. The personal assistant works on a one-to-one basis with the person with a disability both in the home and in the community. A vital element of this personalised support is the full involvement of the individual service user in planning and agreeing the type of support and the time that support is required. Assisted living services are provided either directly by the HSE or in partnership with a range of voluntary service providers, such as the Irish Wheelchair Association.

Any increases in demand for personal assistant services due to demographic pressures and changing needs must be met within the level of resources available. As the Deputy will be aware, the level of funding available for the HSE is being considered as part of the national estimates / budgetary process for 2017, which is currently underway. Following this process, the HSE will then prepare its National Service Plan for 2017. Pending agreement of the National Service Plan, I am not in a position to comment on service levels, including personal assistant hours, to be provided in 2017.