Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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542. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of providing an additional 1.5 million personal assistant hours for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11620/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Government is committed to providing services and supports to 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. The commitment is outlined in the Programme for a Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles, equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is committed to protecting the level of Personal Assistant services available to people with disabilities. In their National Service Plan for 2016, the HSE exceeded the expected activity level for Personal Assistant hours which was 1.3 million hours, by approximately 200,000 hours. This reflects the responsive nature of the service provided and takes account of assessed need over time, as individual needs change. I understand that in 2017, the HSE expects to deliver 1.4 million Personal Assistance hours, an increase of 100,000 hours, to 2,357 adults with a physical and/or sensory disability.

As the Deputy's query relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for a more detailed direct reply to the Deputy.