Robert Molloy
Question:68 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the provision of a swimming pool at Cregg House, Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23499/96]
Written Answers. - Hydrotherapy Pool.
Declan Bree
Question:82 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Health the total amount of national lottery funding provided in grant aid for the development of the hydrotherapy pool at Cregg House, County Sligo; the arrangements, if any, which were made by Cregg House and the Department of Health for the provision of revenue funding for the hydrotherapy pool on its completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23332/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 82 together.
A total of £305,000 in national lottery funding was provided by my Department for the development of the hydrotherapy pool and recreation facilities at Cregg House. The facility was completed in late 1994 at which time Cregg House approached my Department about the running costs associated with the facility.
The health boards priority in 1995 and 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 hydrotherapy 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 North-Western Health Board region in relation to services to persons with a mental handicap.