Press release
Minister Rabbitte announces €4.6m under second round of Strengthening Disability Services funding
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, today announced the latest tranche of successful applications to the €20 million Strengthening Disability Services Fund. The 36 projects approved total over €4.6 million in funding.
Announced as part of Budget 2021, the one-off grants are being provided to reform disability services, build the capacity of disability organisations and to improve the quality of life of those who rely on these services. The initial series of funding was announced in February 2021.
The fund will be used in a variety of ways, including the development of facilities, progressing wellbeing programmes, provision of counsellor/ psychotherapy services as well as other essential projects.
Minister Rabbitte commented:
"I am delighted that people with disabilities will be the clear beneficiaries of the funding that the government has provided, it is my priority that our disability services are first and fore-most person-centred.
"This latest tranche of funding will see funding for bespoke projects for people with different types of disability, for people at home, in residential settings as well as tailored changes to some services, including respite, to better meet the needs of the service user. These grants will further bolster our voluntary disability service providers and help them meet the challenges they may face in delivering services.
"I am proud to have ensured the creation of this fund, which came on top of an additional €100m for disability services in 2021, and I will be following the progress of these items closely to see the realisation of benefits for service users.
"People with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and this funding will be of some benefit to ensure that innovative and essential services are improving to meet the needs and demands of service users."