268 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Enable Ireland has a core deficit for the current year for existing services of ?2.92 million; a capital deficit on new buildings of ?2.16 million; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that adequate therapy services are not being provided due to staff shortages and that Enable Ireland is borrowing to meet its current demand; and the action he is taking to remedy this situation. [6762/02]

269 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children when the recommended 137 new posts will be sanctioned and funded for Enable Ireland. [6763/02]

274 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to increase the funding allocated to the physical and sensory disability sector from the allocation of ?6.41 million for 2002 to his Department's estimate of ?38.05 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6826/02]

277 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide additional multi-annual funding for physical and sensory disability services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6829/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 268, 269, 274 and 277 together.

My Department is aware that there are a number of issues surrounding the under resourcing of the voluntary sector organisations providing health related services to people with physical and sensory disabilities. In response to issues raised, I point out that there have been a number of key developments in the disability sector in recent years in relation to the enhancement of services and the development of new services to meet identified needs. This has been made possible by the significant increased investment over the last number of years from an additional €36.82 million in 1997 to approximately €160 million extra funding in 2001.