Vol. 417 No. 7
70 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health if he will grant a special allocation of additional funding to the Sacred Heart Unit for Handicapped Children, Lady Lane, Waterford, in view of, (a) their current financial deficit, (b) the necessity to increase accommodation and (c) the fact that there is a waiting list; and if he will have this matter examined in view of the essential service being provided by this unit.
The funding of this unit is a matter for the South-Eastern Health Board in the first instance. The 1991 allocation to the Sacred Heart Unit will be increased by £6,500 and payment of this money will issue shortly. I would like to assure the Deputy that the health board is committed to increasing the 1992 grant to the unit in the context of the overall needs of the area and the funds available to the board.
An allocation of £850,000 has been made available this year for the development of additional mental handicap services in the South-Eastern Health Board area. The projects to be funded are, in the first instance, to be considered and agreed by the Regional Mental Handicap Co-ordinating Committee and their proposals are awaited.
