Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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410. To ask the Minister for Health the grant programmes that are open in his Department for charitable organisations working in the disabilities sector with a specific focus on respite care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5636/17]

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.

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. Respite Services are provided directly by the Health Service Executive (HSE) or by agencies funded by the HSE to provide services on its behalf.

Budget 2017 includes an increased allocation to the Disability Services Programme in the HSE to address a number of key priorities in the Programme for Partnership Government. The allocation for disability services, including respite, will rise to over €1.654bn in 2017, an increase of €92 million on the Budget 2016 allocation.

Any organisation that wishes to discuss funding arrangements for the provision of respite services, should contact the Disability Manager in their local health office in the first instance.