Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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164. To ask the Minister for Health when funding for persons with disability will be made available for different services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2397/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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As the Deputy may be aware the Programme for Government contained a commitment to the introduction of personalised budgets for people with disabilities. I established a Task Force on Personalised Budgets on 20 September 2016, on foot of this commitment. Its remit is to make recommendations on personalised budgets models which will give people with disabilities more control in accessing health funded personal social services, giving them greater independence and choice in accessing the services which best meet their individual needs. The Task Force is focusing in the first instance on services for adults, funded by HSE Disability Services. Its report is currently being drafted and is due to be finalised in the coming weeks.

Aids and Appliances, including standing and mobility aids, are prescribed by health professionals and are provided subject to approval by HSE Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) areas following review of applications and prioritisation on the basis of clinical need and available budget. As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue I have arranged for it to be referred to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.