Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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190. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 453 of 5 July 2016 and a subsequent reply received from his Department, the actions he will take to ensure access in general to home care packages for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28896/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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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.

I understand that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised in relation to this specific case, that the budget for Home Care Hours in the relevant HSE area is at capacity but that additional funding is actively being sought. Any increases in demand for home care packages 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.