PRESS RELEASE

Budget will boost services for people with disabilities

The  428 million rise in the health spend, outlined in Budget 2002, will greatly boost services for people with a disability, stated Deputy Billy Kelleher. "The health spend now stands at almost  8.2 billion, a 125% rise since 1997, when Fianna Fáil took office. For people with a disability this will mean more residential places, more day places and better support services, amongst others," said the Fianna Fáil TD. "A total of  39 million has been earmarked for services for those with intellectual disabilities and autism. This funding will provide 75 new respite places and 600 new day places. In addition, support services for children with an intellectual disability or autism will be enhanced." "For those with a physical disability  47 million has been provided to provide up to 500 rehabilitative training places and to develop home support services and therapy services." "The Budget will also mean lower waiting lists and more beds in our hospitals. It provides the funding to being to work outlined in the new Health Strategy. Practically this will mean 650 more hospital beds and a reduction of all waiting lists to a 12 month maximum next year." "Despite the global economic downturn, Fianna Fáil in Government has continued to dramatically increase the health-spend. This will enable us to thoroughly reform the health system and provide people with a disability with the world-class services they deserve," he concluded.