Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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415. To ask the Minister for Health if he will meet with a group (details supplied) as a matter of urgency to discuss issues relating to the provision of respite services for adults with disabilities in County Louth; his position on proposals and estimates on the provision of respite services for adults with disabilities in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29483/16]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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416. To ask the Minister for Health his position regarding the lack of funds in the current service plan to provide the necessary respite services agreed and identified through the disability database in correspondence (details supplied); if he will be recommending that these funds are to be provided in the upcoming budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29484/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 416 together.

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 Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.

The level of funding available for my Department is being considered as part of the national estimates/budgetary process for 2017, which is currently underway. Pending completion of this process, it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.