Disability Services

Thursday, 3 July 2025

Questions (328)

Aidan Farrelly

Question:

328. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the estimated cost of providing an additional 1,000 personal assistance service hours in 2026. [36729/25]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality

The HSE provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistance (PA) Services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives.

PA is provided either directly by the HSE or indirectly though a range of voluntary and private service providers.

The average rate for PA service delivery is currently €25 per hour. The estimated full-year cost of providing 1,000 additional PA hours at the current rate is €25,000.

Budget 2025 provided approximately €3.5m in funding to commence the progressive alignment of the PA hourly rate with Older Persons Home Support Services, which is currently €31.47 per hour. When the rates are aligned, the estimated cost of providing 1,000 PA hours would be €31,470.