Vol. 471 No. 4
89 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the failure to provide funding for the operation of the hydro-therapy pool and gymnasium hall in Cregg House in County Sligo, since its construction two years ago; the representations, if any, made to him by the Sligo Parents Action On Disability Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21076/96]
My Department is aware of the situation with regard to the hydro-therapy pool and recreation facilities in Cregg House. The facility was completed in late 1994.
My Department and the North-Western Health Board have provided resources to develop services at Cregg House. Additional funding of £74,000 was provided in 1995 to increase staffing levels at Cregg House to improve and enhance services there.
The priority in 1996 has been to provide additional residential, day and respite services and Cregg House has benefited from the additional funds for such services. The provision of revenue funding for the hydro-therapy pool/recreation facilities, including the possibility of a phased opening of the facilities, has been discussed with representatives from Cregg House. My Department will review the situation again in 1997 in the light of resources which are available to it and the priorities which have been identified for the region in relation to services to persons with a mental handicap.
In June 1995, I met a deputation from the Parents Action on Disability, North Western Region. The issues raised by the parents were: a charter of rights for disabled persons and their carers; the possibility of dispensing with the means test for the carer's allowance; the application of tax relief on donations to Irish charities similar to that applicable to Third World charities; escorts on school buses; the provision of medical cards for all persons with disabilities and the statutory application of a minimum industrial wage for disabled people in sheltered workshops.
