asked the Minister for Health why the capitation grant approved for County Wexford Community Workshop Limited has not been paid; and if he will ensure that the existing services in Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey and the envisaged expansion in Wexford town will receive the necessary finance from his Department to allow them to function properly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford Community Workshop.
13.
As the financial allocation for 1976 for the South-Eastern Health Board was intended only for the maintenance of services at the 1975 level the board were thus not in a position to give financial aid to developments in 1976.
The Enniscorthy workshop was first approved by the National Rehabilitation Board in February, 1976. The New Ross service was started in July, 1976, and the Gorey service was started only a few weeks ago; neither has yet been approved by the National Rehabilitation Board. Such approval is essential in the first place.
The extent to which the South-Eastern Health Board may be able to assist this type of development during the coming year will be considered when the board's allocation for that year has been determined.
How can the Minister justify the cutting of the sod for a further mentally handicapped workshop in Wexford town when the grants have not yet been paid to Enniscorthy? Does he feel he is undermining the community workshop set up by the people in Wexford by the cutting of this sod?
I do not think so. The workshop to which the Deputy referred is being built under the control of the Rehabilitation Institute. I do not see any harm in planning for the establishment of these institutes. I know there is a difference of opinion between those in charge of the Wexford Community Workshop Ltd., and the Rehabilitation Institute but if the two organisations get together they could work in harmony to ensure that the needs of the area are filled.
As the people in County Wexford have already collected £45,000, does the Minister not consider that he is undermining the work of this voluntary organisation? Does he not think that there is not more to it than cutting sods?
Certainly. Cutting a sod is only the first gesture. You have to provide money after that. Does the Deputy suggest that the Rehabilitation Institute in Wexford should not be built?
No. Is the Minister happy that moneys have not yet been paid to the Wexford Community Workshop in Enniscorthy that was opened last February?
The official opening was last September. I explained the financial position to the people who were present including the reverend chairman.
I accept that, but when does the Minister hope moneys will be made available?
That will be decided when the allocations for 1977 are finally decided.