The provision of health related services to people with physical and sensory disabilities, including cerebral palsy, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Health boards provide a range of support services in order to enable people with physical and sensory disabilities to live as independently as possible within the community. A comprehensive community support service includes residential respite care, day care, home support services, including personal assistance services, nursing, therapy, counselling and family support, aids and appliances. Specialised residential care services are also required.
Since coming into office, this Government has provided significant additional funding of just over €175 million for the maintenance and development of health and personal social services for people with physical and sensory disabilities, including people with cerebral palsy.
The issue of transport to and from health services is recognised by my Department in the new Health Strategy, and I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of health services in the most accessible location is given due consideration by the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards.