Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1293. To ask the Minister for Health if additional funding has been assigned in budget 2021 to address the digital divide to ensure that persons with disabilities and other disadvantages are not left behind during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32976/20]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to health services, Health Service Executive (HSE) Disability Services provide personal and social care supports based on the needs of the individual, rather than the provision of services based on a specific diagnosis or condition.

While addressing 'digital divide' among people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups across society is much broader than the remit of the Department of Health, you will be interested to note that the HSE have established a Digital and Assistive Technology (DAT) Group since June 2020, chaired by Dr MacLachan, Clinical Lead for Disabilities. The long term aim of the group is to develop guidelines and influence national health policy on the use of DAT to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. I have also arranged for your question to be referred to the HSE for consideration and direct reply to you.

Separately, Budget 2021 provided for once-off funding in 2020 for voluntary disability service providers to advance the Transforming Lives reform process, under the Strengthening Disability Services Scheme. The scheme is open to voluntary not-for profit organisations of any size who provide disability services under a Service Agreement or Grant Agreement with the HSE. An organisation may get a grant of up to 1% of their 2019 HSE funding.

There are three strands under which eligible providers may apply for funding. Digital supports may be considered under strand 1 of the initiative: for example

- Purchase of assistive technology including IT for service users to enhance independence

- Purchase or development of apps that help those receiving services remotely

The closing date for consideration of applications under all strands is 18th November.