Written answers

Thursday, 6 October 2022

Department of Health

Disability Services

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

360. To ask the Minister for Health the breakdown of the additional €29 million announced in Budget 2023 for services and supports for adults with disabilities, including the amount that will go to additional personal assistants, home support, community-based services and other services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49213/22]

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

The Department of Health published the Disability Capacity Review in July 2021. This report set out the capacity requirements for health-funded disability services for the period up to 2032. In order to drive the process of implementing the recommendations of the Capacity Review, a Working Group was set up to develop an Action Plan for Disability Services for the period 2022-2025. This Group has now completed its work and the draft Action Plan is currently being finalised for approval.

In recent years, significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services. This year, the overall Budget for disability services in 2023 will be €2.4 billion, including a significant level of funding for specialist disability services. Building on the previous year, this is an unprecedented level of funding for Disability services. It follows substantial increases in the budget in 2021 and 2022; and reflects this Government’s commitment to strengthening the funding provided for the disability sector and working to act to address the shortfalls identified in the Disability Capacity Review.

The following funding has been provided for 2023

Funding Measure
€109m To support existing levels of service
€4.3m Digital Initiatives/Disability Awareness and Participation Fund
€25m Building Capacity (Core Services)
€39m One off Costs associated with activity during Covid-19
A significant fund of up to €100m has been allocated this year to support community based voluntary organisations who are such an essential pillar in the provision of Health services across country. This fund is being made available in recognition of the challenges being faced by the sector in delivering and maintaining key health and social care services against a backdrop of increased inflationary pressures affecting energy, heating and related costs. These organisations are funded through the HSE to deliver a range of health and social care services on behalf of the HSE to communities around Ireland. This includes residential, day and ancillary services for people with a disability, older people, mental health services, palliative care services, addiction services and other health and social care services provided in the community. Details of the fund including its administration are being finalised.

The HSE, in preparing its National Service Plan, will examine how services, including relevant KPIs, can be progressed in 2023 within the overall increased envelope of funding for disability services.

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

361. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) in relation to a company that wishes to branch into a not-for-profit-service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49216/22]

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

As this question refers to operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.