Reilly: Cope Foundation cuts unavoidable

Health Minister James Reilly says serious funding problems for vital services such as the Cope Foundation, which supports 2,000 people with intellectual disabilities, are unavoidable in the current climate.

Speaking at a UCC pilot health innovation hub launch, the Fine Gael TD said he was “focussed on outcomes for patients” and not “inputs” such as budgets and staff numbers.

However, he said despite funding problems at the Cope Foundation — which is set to see respite care and other services for 2,150 adults and children with intellectual disabilities harshly pared back — little can be done.