Finian McGrath
Question:12 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if new respite care places will be provided to assist the Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalous. [6712/03]
Written Answers - Health Services.
The provision of health related services, including respite care, to people with physical and-or sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance.
Significant levels of additional funding have been provided since 1997 for the maintenance and development of health related services for people with intellectual, physical or sensory disability, those with autism and older people. This additional funding has enabled substantial advances to be made in terms of the quality and quantity of health related services to these care groups. For example, in terms of services for people with intellectual disabilities and those with autism around 465 additional dedicated respite places were provided between 1999 and 2002.
With specific regard to the services that are available for people with physical and sensory disabilities, additional revenue and capital funding of approximately €195 million has been provided to the ERHA and the health boards for the maintenance and development of health related services, including respite care. An additional 95 respite places were created specifically for this care group between 1997 and 2001.
It is acknowledged that funding and places are required. It is my intention that as funding becomes available further resources will be allocated for the continued development of services for these care groups. Specifically relating to people with physical and sensory disabilities, future resource allocation will be guided by the information available from the national physical and sensory disability database. It will provide an accurate picture of the health service requirements in that sector.
It is regrettable that the level of investment in these services achieved in recent years could not be maintained in 2003. My Department will work closely with the health boards and other service providers in relation to service provision this year.