Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Provision of Wheelchair.

Helen Keogh

Question:

404 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 18 suffering from Friedreich's Ataxia who is now in need of a new wheelchair has been informed by the Eastern Health Board in the Dún Laoghaire No. 1 area, that funds are low and that the board has been told to cut back on expenses and that there will be a wait of several months before his application comes up for approval for a new wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1075/94]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

426 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health if he has received representation from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 18 who is suffering from Friedreich's Ataxia and who is having difficulty getting a replacement wheelchair; the steps, if any, he intends to take to ensure that this person is provided with a wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [394/94]

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 426 together.

I have been informed by the Eastern Health Board that all applications for aids and appliances, including motorised wheelchairs, are prioritised on the basis of need taking into account the overall budgetary situation within the board and that all applicants are informed of this at the time of application.

The provision of a motorised wheelchair in any individual case is a matter for the health board concerned. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer, Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.