asked the Minister for Health if assistance will be made available to the National Association for Cerebral Palsy which finds itself in financial difficulties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Association for Cerebral Palsy.
22.
The National Association for Cerebral Palsy obtains funds from public sources mainly on the basis of a capitation rate, payable by health boards, for children provided with residential care in the Marino Clinic, Bray. The present rate of £4 a day has applied since the 1st January last and, in the light of quarterly financial returns supplied to my Department during the present year, it was adequate for the period to 30th September, 1975. The rate will, however, be reviewed before the end of the year when the association's audited accounts for the year ended 30th September, 1975, are available.
The association's financial situation should be substantially improved by a special grant of £6,000 which the Eastern Health Board was authorised last month to make towards revenue deficits in the association's last accounting year. I understand that this payment has been made to the association.