Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to the expansion of services for people with disabilities. The Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026 was published by Government on 14^thDecember 2023 and represents a strategy, at national level, for capacity increases and service and policy reform in disability services. It was informed by findings from the Disability Capacity Review, published in 2021, in addition to input from Government and an extensive public consultation.

The service areas for investment for 2024 under the Action Plan have already been agreed through the budgetary processes. Specifically, €64m has been allocated for new development measures (as set out below) which will provide greater investment across a range of disability services and contribute to the progressive realisation of the Action Plan.

In addition, €18m in non-core funding was provided to address service pressures that arose during the Covid-19 pandemic. A further €10m was provided in the Revised Estimates to fund initiatives in the are of respite and transport / mobility.

The precise level of delivery of services for people with disabilities, based on the funding provided in the Budget, will be set out in the HSE's National Service Plan for 2024.

Structures are being established for the oversight and delivery of the Action Plan. An Action Plan Implementation Group is currently being established, led by DCEDIY, with representation from HSE and other action owning Departments and Agencies as required. At national level, a Monitoring Group, chaired at Ministerial level will give focused strategic attention to the delivery of this Plan.

The Action Plan is a living document and will be reviewed and updated in the light of priorities, policy considerations and the funding available under this and subsequent Budgets.