Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cancer Patient Support.

Batt O'Keeffe

Question:

61 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the resources and support that is provided by the Southern Health Board to parents of cancer patients who have to attend Crumlin Hospital, Dublin for treatment over prolonged periods of time; and if he has satisfied himself with the supports currently being given. [19177/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): As Minister for Health I am very conscious that a very important part of the child's welfare while in hospital is having access to one or both parents particularly at critical times in acute illness. The Southern Health Board share my concerns in this regard.

It is the board's policy through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, to assist parents with the cost of travelling and staying in Dublin to be with their children who may be in-patients or who have to visit the out-patients department on a regular basis.

The recipients of such assistance would normally be eligible for supplementary welfare allowance in the first instance, i.e. their sole income would be derived from social welfare. However, in exceptional circumstances for persons who would be outside the supplementary welfare allowance category applications are considered on their own merits for assistance. The board in appropriate circumstances can assist with diet and or heating allowance.

In addition to the above, the Southern Health Board's nursing service is available to provide a range of counselling and other advisory support to parents of children attending Crumlin Hospital, or elsewhere, for prolonged periods of time.