Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 3

Written Answers. - Helios II Programme.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

58 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health the total amount drawn down under the Helios II Programme for 1995; the projects which have been assisted under the programme; the plans, if any, he has for the further development of projects under the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18272/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The Helios II Programme is an EU Programme aimed at promoting exchange of information on good practice between the member states and with NGOs based on the best innovative and effective experience in the disability field. It does this by facilitating and funding organisations' participation at conferences, seminars and study visits on four key themes, (i) functional rehabilitation, (ii) educational integration, (iii) economic integration and (iv) social integration and independent living. The programme does not provide funding for project service development per se, but simply facilitates exchange of information between participants in the programme.

Ireland has 24 participant organisations in the exchange activities as follows:—

Functional Rehabilitation

Central Remedial Clinic

National Council for the Blind

NRB (Audiology Service)

Daughters of Charity Service

Western Health Board

Educational Integration

St. Fergal's junior national school, Bray, County Wicklow

Scoil Padraig Naofa, Bandon, County Cork

Good Shepherd national school, Churchtown, Dublin 14

St. Patrick's College of Education, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

Bishopstown community school, County Cork.

Economic Integration

NRB (Psychological Service)

Cope Foundation

Rehabilitation Institute

FÁS

APT/Midland Health Board

Irish Trade Union Trust

Brothers of Charity Services

KARE, County Kildare

Social Integration/Independent Living

Cheshire Foundation

Dundalk Access for Disabled Association

Inter-Departmental Transport Accessibility Committee

Department of Equality & Law Reform (Commission on Disability)

Irish Interpreters Association

Galway Association for Mentally Handicapped

Ireland does not receive a specific allocation for the programme. The reimbursement of expenses in respect of participants' attendance at conference, seminars, etc. is a matter between the EU Commission and the participants concerned.

The other major element of the Helios programme is the Handynet project. This is a European-wide computerised database on technical aids available to people with disabilities. In Ireland, it is based in the National Rehabilitation Board. In 1995, the EU made 30,000 ECU in technical assistance available to Ireland towards the development to the Handynet system.

In addition, the EU Commission made available funding of 11,000 ECU in 1995 for the purpose of holding a National Helios Information meeting. This was held in Athlone on 23 November, 1995. Current Helios participants and a cross section of other organisations representing people with disabilities were present. A senior EU Commission representative also attended. A paper prepared by my Department and NRB reflecting the views expressed at the meeting on proposals for a post Helios II programme was submitted to the Commission on 29 December 1995.