Vol. 429 No. 4
139 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Irish Wheelchair Association has had to discontinue day centre services to persons with a disability aged over 65; and if he will hold negotiations with the voluntary and statutory agencies in an effort to restore this service.
As a result of the sudden withdrawal last year of a FÁS Teamwork scheme, the Irish Wheelchair Association was forced to discontinue its day care services at Clontarf for those aged 65 and over. Following discussions between the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Eastern Health Board, the health board examined the needs of each person aged over 65 and every one of them was offered some alternative service such as home care attendant service or attendance at other day centres or day clubs. These arrangements have now been put in place. Currently, as persons attending the Irish Wheelchair Association day centre approach 65 years they are assessed by the public health nurse with a view to providing the most appropriate alternative service.
