Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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416. To ask the Minister for Health if he will allocate in budget 2018 the required moneys for the provision of the pilot project for Prader-Willi syndrome providing respite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41743/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Earlier this year, I met with the Prader Willi Syndrome Association of Ireland (PWSAI). The purpose of this meeting was for the 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 Health Service Executive (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 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.

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 specifically for respite care services.