Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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369. To ask the Minister for Health if there will be funding for respite care services outside Dublin in 2018. [40595/17]

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.

Funding of €1.69 billion has been allocated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) for disability services in 2017. This represents an increased allocation of €130 million compared to the previous year.

My Department is currently engaged in discussions with the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as part of the Estimates Process for Budget 2018. Pending the conclusion of these discussions, I am not in a position to comment on the level of funding that will be available in 2018 for disability services generally and for respite care services outside Dublin in 2018.