54 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to protect front line disability services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1781/11]

Notwithstanding the current economic circumstances and the necessary across the board reductions in Government spending, special consideration was given to disability and mental health in Budget 2011 through a maximum reduction of just 1.8% in the allocation for the two sectors. This relatively lower reduction, compared to other areas of the health budget, recognises that these services are provided to vulnerable groups. Furthermore, Budget 2011 provided an additional €10 million to the Health Service Executive for disability in 2011. This is to meet anticipated extra 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. Taking the reduction in the overall HSE Disability budget into account, the HSE will manage the additional resources to ensure that existing support needs, and demands for additional places and supports, are managed effectively within the overall allocation. I acknowledge the strong contribution and commitment of the Voluntary service providers in the disability sector and I have asked the HSE to work closely with the Voluntary sector in this regard.