Vol. 474 No. 4
99 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if he received a pre-budget submission from the Irish Wheelchair Association identifying the need for substantial additional financial resources to enable the association to follow through on vital projects in the interest of its members; if so, the response, if any, he proposes in terms of financial allocations to the association in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3292/97]
Limerick East): The Irish Wheelchair Association submitted a pre-budget submission which was discussed at a recent meeting with officials of my Department. The provision of funding for services to people with physical disabilities is primarily a matter for health boards who make grants to voluntary organisations under section 65 of the Health Act, 1953. In 1996, health boards made grants amounting to over £1.4 million to the Irish Wheelchair Association for its services.
The report of the review group on Health and Personal Social Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities, Towards an Independent Future, sets out the requirements for the development of services. The report has been circulated to health boards and officials of my Department are now in discussion with the boards regarding the process of implementing the report. Also under discussion is the prioritising of services for funding under the additional £1 million provided this year for the development of new services for people with physical and sensory disabilities. This additional funding will be allocated by the health boards on the basis of the agreed priorities.
The Deputy will note that as well as the £1 million provided for development of new services this year, an additional £2.188 million was built into the health board allocations in 1997 to help put existing services on a more secure financial footing. Of this £350,000 is being provided in respect of Irish Wheelchair Association services.
