I am happy to advise that special consideration has been given to Disability Services in Budget 2011, through a maximum reduction of just 1.8% in disability funding in 2011. The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies also welcomes the additional €10m funding being provided to meet anticipated demand in respect of emergency residential, respite and personal assistant / home support hours for people with disabilities and day places for school leavers in September 2011.
At a meeting with Mr. John Moloney, T.D., Minister of State, Department of Health & Children, held on 7th December, 2010, in advance of the Budget, the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies were advised that the Government’s decision was communicated to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the HSE at an earlier meeting which the Minister, and his officials, had with them. In this regard, it is expected that the Government will exercise the power which it has under Section 10 (i) (a) and (b) of the Health Act 2004 to use the Budget 2011 letter of determination to the Health Service Executive to give effect to its decision.
In response to earlier requests by the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, the Minister advised that he had discussed the impact of the moratorium on service providers and had agreed with the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE that a more flexible approach to implementation of the Moratorium in disability services would be adopted. It was also agreed that the Consultative Fora agreed between the HSE and Service Providers at the local, regional and national level would be established as a matter of priority as would the appointment of a National Director of Disability with executive authority.
All in all these decisions represent the best of our expectations and follow on from a comprehensive strategic pre-budget campaign which was agreed by our Board and Services Development Sub Committee..
I should also advise that in his Budget Press Release, Minister Moloney acknowledged the strong contribution and commitment of Service Providers in the Disability Sector and asked that they would work closely with the HSE throughout 2011 to ensure the maximum delivery of services in an efficient and effective manner, with priority being given to those in greatest need.
Brian O’Donnell,
Chief Executive, National Federation of Voluntary Bodies