Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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312. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) to improve and streamline the process for persons with a disability to access certain supports and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48713/17]

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 a Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Disability is the responsibility of every Government Department and Minister. The National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021, which comes under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality, is a whole of Government approach to improving the lives of people with disabilities in both a practical sense and also in creating the best possible opportunities for people with disabilities to fulfil their potential. The Strategy sets out key actions under each theme and objective, which indicate the Government Department responsible and the timeframe for delivery. Where an action has a cross-sectoral or cross-departmental aspect, the lead department and other departments which have shared responsibilities are also identified.

With regard to the provision of health and personal social services for people with disabilities, which falls under the remit of the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is implementing a programme of reform of disability services, known as Transforming Lives. This reform programme is about moving away from institutional models of care and service delivery to community-based, person-centred models of service where people with a disability can live valued and inclusive lives within their own community. The programme is governed by a National Steering Group and is driven by six National Cross-Sector Working Groups.

The HSE funds a range of community services and supports to enable each individual with a disability to achieve their full potential and maximise independence. Services are provided in a variety of community and residential settings in partnership with service users, their families and carers and a range of statutory, non-statutory, voluntary and community service providers. In their National Service Plan for 2017, funding of €1.69 billion was allocated to the HSE for disability services. The allocation for disability services for 2018 will be over €1.76 billion. The HSE is currently in the process of finalising its National Service Plan for 2018, in consultation with officials from my Department.

If the individual concerned requires access to any particular health and personal social service, the Deputy might consider contacting my office with the details and I will arrange to have the matter followed up directly with the HSE.