Séamus Hughes
Question:116 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health when the report by Dr. Eamon O'Shea, relating to disabilities, will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11647/96]
Written Answers. - Report on Disabilities.
Limerick East): The report by Dr. O'Shea referred to by the Deputy is a cost-benefit study of personal assistance services.
This study, which was completed earlier this year, was commissioned independently by my Department on foot of the Advisory Group on Personal Assistance Services for People with Physical Disabilities consideration that such a study should be carried out to help establish the total costs of personal assistance services and to assess their total benefits. As the study arose solely in the context of providing background research data on this service, I do not intend to publish it separately.
The advisory group's report was circulated as a discussion document to interested parties who were asked for their comments which were examined by my Department in conjunction with Dr. O'Shea's study. As I have previously stated in this House, the future provision of personal assistants has been examined in the context of an overall review of services for people with physical disabilities by the Review Group on Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities whose final report is expected within the next few weeks.