Dan Boyle
Ceist:157 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that adequate resources are available for the diagnosis and treatment of dyspraxia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4195/03]
Written Answers. - Health Board Services.
The provision of health related services to people with physical and sensory disabilities, including those with dyspraxia is a matter for the ERHA and the health boards in the first instance. Health boards provide a range of support services to enable people with physical and sensory disabilities to live as independently as possible within the community. This includes residential respite care, day care, home support, including personal assistance ser vices, nursing, therapy, counselling and family support, aids and appliances. Specialised residential care services are also provided.
Significant additional funding in the region of €180 million has been provided by this Government since 1997. This level of funding is indicative of the Government's ongoing commitment to the provision of quality services and includes: over €36 million for aids and appliances; €60 million ongoing funding for the development of services, including residential, respite, home support and personal assistance and therapy services; just under €35 million for capital projects; and a significant proportion of the remainder allocated in support of voluntary sector service providers.
In addition, my Department, in conjunction with the Health Research Board, the health boards and the voluntary sector service providers is compiling the national physical and sensory disability database. When complete the database will provide the following: at local level, a detailed picture of each individual's health service requirements over a five year period; and at national level, detailed statistical information to assist in the acquisition of funds and identify priority services at which to target these resources.
The database will be an essential tool in the delivery of effective services to people with physical and sensory disabilities in a planned and co-ordinated manner.