Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

302. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the statement by a federation (details supplied) that the €10 million in aid allocated to disability services in the Winter Plan is not enough to meet the needs of service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29499/20]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I was pleased to announce with Minister Donnelly on September 28th that €10 million in 2020 is being made available to support the resumption of day services and enhanced home support services for disability service users. As issues around the resumption of disability day services are COVID specific, funding was sought from the National Action Plan on COVID-19, not the Winter Plan.

Of this €10 million, €7.5 million will increase disability day services by one day a week for over 14,000 adults.

€2.5 million will provide 210 intensive support packages to enable children and young adults to remain at home and in their communities. These intensive support packages will enable young adults with complex or high support needs to remain at home or in their communities. The packages can combine in-home supports, respite and support in the community, based on individual need.

The additional funding will further support the resumption of day services, which began to gradually resume throughout August and September. However, it should be noted that capacity in day service locations will be reduced, in line with public health guidance. The HSE and service providers will keep this measure under review and as public health guidance evolves, capacity to provide supports will adapt accordingly. Both the HSE and service providers are committed to maximising the support that can be provided within these restrictions. Further funding requirements for 2021 will be considered through the Estimates process.