Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 1995

Vol. 457 No. 7

Written Answers. - Services for Disabled.

Michael Woods

Question:

131 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Health whether the review group on physical and sensory disabilities has completed its work; if so, when it was completed; when it will be published and its findings made known to the public; and the measures, if any, it will include to ensure equality of opportunity for people with physical disabilities. [16434/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The Review Group on Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disability is expected to complete its work and finalise its report by the end of this year. I would hope to be in a position to publish it shortly thereafter. The recommendations of the report are based on the premise that people with disabilities should be enabled to live as independently as possible.

As indicated in the Health Strategy, it is my intention to proceed to implement the review group's recommendations in the coming four years. The Deputy may wish to note that additional funding of £2 million revenue and £2.5 million capital has been provided in 1995 for the development of services for people with physical disabilities.