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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Disability service funding

Summary

Finian McGrath warned that possible cuts could damage disability transport and respite services, also citing wasted hospital expenditure; the Taoiseach said budget decisions had not yet been made and dismissed speculation.

The proposed health information Bill is intended to provide a legislative framework for the better governance of health information. Is the Taoiseach aware that strong rumours are circulating in the disability sector about proposed cuts of between 8% and 10% over the next couple of weeks and that transport and respite care will be directly affected by this? With regard to yesterday's decision, €26 million was wasted on the Mater Hospital site. That money could have been used to fund disability services.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

We could have used the €3 billion for the promissory note each year for the next ten years for many things too. The Deputy asked about strong rumours. I have no interest in rumours or speculation. That is a matter for Government decision, and the Government will make that decision in time for the budget in December. Anything else the Deputy hears is merely speculation or rumour, be it strong or weak, and I have no interest in that.

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