Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletter JULY 2008

The HSE has recently advised us that they are requesting DFI and all of its member organisations to achieve what they describe as "efficiency targets" of 1% p.a. from the current disability and mental health allocation. The HSE insist that these efficiencies can be applied on the basis that it will not affect front line service levels.

In response DFI has stated that we are not in a position to identify to the HSE where we can make such savings as to do so would require us to be complicit in the permanent removal of funding from the disability area to other areas where the HSE is over budget. We explained that we have worked hard over many years to increase the investment going into services. As we are aware that much more funding is required for disability services we cannot simply offer up such funding, noting that it was the Oireachtas that voted this money.

In relation to efficiency and value for money we stated that DFI and its member organisations would welcome and expect that the HSE would enter into routine discussions with individual organisations that it provides funding to. These discussions are essential to ensure that efficiency is achieved and resources that go into front line delivery are maximised. We are very much in favour of greater efficiency and effectiveness but not as a device to take funding from disabled people at a time when there is so much unmet need for a whole range of basic services.

The reduction of current disability budgets by 1% p.a. is not an insignificant amount of money when viewed over the remaining period of the National Development Plan (NDP), which is the source of disability funding. With this cut commencing this year, and without factoring in any other cuts, it amounts to €150m out to the conclusion of the NDP in 2013.

Briefly on other HSE related areas, namely the proposed Service Level and Grant Aid Agreements we wish to remind you that it would be premature to consider signing at this stage. We have written to the HSE and they have asked us to enter into discussions with them. Please contact us if we can be of any further assistance.

Also, DFI welcomes the announcement by the Minister of State for Disability and Mental Health, Mr John Moloney TD that €50 million allocated in Budget 2008 will now be released to address the funding of services for people with disabilities. DFI is currently writing to the Minister to seek clarification that the full amount of €50 million committed to in Budget 2008 will be delivered over the remainder of 2008, and that this money will be directed across all of the areas outlined for the Multi Annual Funding Programme.

John Dolan
CEO