Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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736. To ask the Minister for Health the status of phase one of the pilot scheme for personalised budgets; if the uptake for the pilot scheme has been properly advertised to ensure there is a sufficient mix of applications nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22431/20]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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In light of COVID 19 and Government advice, the Personalised Budget Project was paused for new entrants on March 23^rd. Existing participants continued to be supported by the Project Manager via telephone and email. Phase 1 recommenced on June 29^th.

The HSE is looking for up to 180 adults with a disability to participate in this project over a two-year period. The project will run in two phases, with 90 adults taking part in each phase. Phase 1 commenced in October 2019 and Phase 2 will commence from September 2020.

A call for Expressions of Interest for Phase 2 opened on July 27^thand closed on September 7^th2020 . There has been interest in this Pilot across all CHO (Community Healthcare Organisations) areas. The relevant team in the HSE is continuing to respond to all queries raised by individuals, families, advocates and service providers who have submitted an Expression of Interest in participating in the project.

Applications are welcomed from adults with a disability that are currently in receipt of HSE funded services; provided either directly by the HSE or through the non-statutory sector (including day services, residential services, respite services, rehabilitative training or personal assistance), and young people leaving school in 2020 that have a commitment to a funded day service.