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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 2

Written Answers. - Health Services.

Michael Noonan

Question:

268 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to extend the range of services offered to children who suffer from cerebral palsy; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Limerick with cerebral palsy must travel from Limerick to Dublin for botox injections; his plans to make this service available at Limerick Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7672/02]

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.

Finally, my Department, in conjunction with the Health Research Board, the health boards and the voluntary sector, is currently developing a national physical and sensory disability database, which when complete, will provide a detailed picture of the service requirements of people with physical and sensory disabilities over a five year period. This database will enable a co-ordinated and planned approach to be taken to what is ultimately most important, the delivery of services to individuals as required.
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