Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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422. To ask the Minister for Health the long term policy and funding strategy for the care of adults with intellectual disabilities particularly in scenarios in which close relatives are no longer able to provide care. [41767/17]

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.

Funding of €1.69 billion was allocated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) for disability services in 2017. This represented an increased allocation of €130 million compared to the previous year. Funding in 2017 has supported the provision of a wide range of services to people with disabilities as follows:

In addition, 2017 has seen targeted improvements in a number of priority areas. These include the reconfiguration of disability residential services, supported by €20 million in capital funding and by the Service Reform Fund and improved compliance with National Standards for Residential Centres for Children and Adults with Disabilities.

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.