Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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279. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (detail supplied) regarding funding for a condition in budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40203/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Earlier this year I was at the launch of the Prader Willi Syndrome National Survey. I also met with the association, the purpose of the meeting was for PWSAI to outline the research findings of "A Population-Based Profile of Prader-Willi Syndrome in Ireland" and to make a case for the delivery of respite services specifically catering to the needs of Prader Willi sufferers. The HSE met the PSWAI representatives on the 7 July 2017 and are committed to establishing a working group to look at the challenges of those suffering from Pradar Willi Syndrome.

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 HSE's Social Care Operational Plan for 2017 aims to provide 182,000 overnight stays in centre-based respite services, in addition to 41,000 day respite sessions. Respite care for children and adults with disabilities is provided by the HSE directly in some instances, or by agencies funded by the HSE to provide services on its behalf.

The HSE remains committed to working with all voluntary disability service providers to ensure that all of the resources available for specialist disability services, including respite services, are used in the most efficient and effective manner possible. And as the Deputy’s question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for further reply.