Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Jul 1992

Vol. 422 No. 5

Written Answers. - Irish Wheelchair Association Day Centre.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

126 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to (1) the serious situation which has now arisen due to the discontinuation of the FÁS scheme in the Irish Wheelchair Association's day centre whereby the association can no longer cope with people over 65 years of age and (2) the fact that the Eastern Health Board are unable to cope with the people who formerly attended the IWA; and if he will outline the way in which he intends to rectify this situation.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I recently became aware that a FÁS Teamwork scheme which provided 11 care assistants for the Irish Wheelchair Association's day centre expired on 5 June 1992. Following representations by the association the scheme is now being continued for a further six months at half the previous level, i.e. 5 care assistants. The Irish Wheelchair Association is discussing with the Eastern Health Board, who are responsible for the funding of the day centre, appropriate arrangements for the provision of services to the people who had been attending the day centre.