Vol. 404 No. 8
7 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his policy relating to the provision of such items as nappies to mentally and-or physically handicapped persons as different operating procedures apply in different health board areas.
The provision of nappies to mentally and/or physically handicapped persons is a matter for the health boards, in the first instance.
I have been in contact with the health boards and I understand that the position is that the boards assess applicants on an individual basis and a decision on the supply of nappies is taken, based on the applicant's needs and circumstances.
Will the Minister confirm that he gave a commitment to the Association of Parents and Friends of Mentally Handicapped Children that they would be assessed on an individual basis? Is the Minister aware that the scheme is not being implemented in accordance with his instructions? We have received complaints from parents who have been treated insensitively and cruelly by health boards. Will the Minister give a commitment that he will instruct boards again to give out nappies in accordance with need?
Certainly. If there are specific instances where there are problems I will be glad to raise them with the relevant health board. As a result of Deputy Owen's question, I will communicate with the health boards.
Can the Minister tell me how the allowance of two nappies per day was arrived at? This figure was given to me by a number of parents. This is a totally inadequate allocation, particularly for older people.
I do not know where the figure originated and, as the Deputy will appreciate, she did not raise this in her question. I understand that the health boards initially provide between 60 and 80 nappies per month but will supply more if, after looking at the circumstances, they believe they are needed.
May I ask the Minister why there is such inconsistency in the application of this scheme? It is obvious, from information I have received from constituents, that the scheme is not being operated in the way the Minister outlined in his reply. Is the Minister aware of the stress experienced by the minders, carers and parents of mentally handicapped persons who need changing several times a day? Will the Minister give a directive to the health boards in this regard?
We are having repetition.
As I have said, I will raise the matter with the health boards. There should not be any problem in this regard.
Does the Minister have any plans to restore the provision of these necessities to those people on medical cards? All the bureaucracy involved in the asessment of eligibility for these necessities by health boards would be eliminated if the general practitioners attending the patients could make the recommendations. This facility should be restored to those on medical cards.
That is a separate matter. Deputy Nuala Fennell is offering.
Is the Minister aware that an official in the Dublin area uses his discretion in this matter in a very ungenerous and narrow way? If I give the Minister the name of this official, about whom a number of complaints have been made, will he take action?
If the Deputy has a particular case in mind I will be glad to raise it with the Eastern Health Board.
