Vol. 476 No. 2
84 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a long waiting list of people in the Galway area who have applied for aids and appliances to the Western Health Board; if he intends providing further finance to clear this backlog in view of the major difficulty that the lack of aids and appliances is causing people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6815/97]
Limerick East): Between 1993 and 1996, additional revenue funding totalling £6 million has been provided for the development of services for people with physical and sensory disabilities, including the provision of aids and appliances.
The provision of aids and appliances in the Galway area is a matter for the Western Health Board. In 1995 and 1996, the board allocated £133,000 towards the provision of aids and appliances and equipment for services for people with disabilities, including a tracking system to enable a more efficient and effective use of existing appliances. One million pounds has been provided this year for the development of services for people with disabilities. The Western Health Board will discuss with its co-ordinating committee on physical handicap services the priorities for the allocation of its share of this additional funding, including the provision of aids and appliances.
