Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 2

Written Answers - Long-Term Illness Services.

Mary Wallace

Question:

81 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the knowledge, if any, within his Department about the distinction between spina bifida and hydrocephalus; the amount of this knowledge which is passed on and understood by the health care professionals within the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8867/97]

Mary Wallace

Question:

82 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the number of social workers employed by his Department in the spina bifida and hydrocephalus area; the number of social workers allowed per week in this area in each of the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8868/97]

Mary Wallace

Question:

83 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the age at which incontinence wear is provided to children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in each of the eight health board regions; the discrepancy, if any, between areas; the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8869/97]

Mary Wallace

Question:

84 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the criteria in operation in each of the eight health boards in relation to the provision of incontinence wear for children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus which lead these professionals to believe that two nappies per day are sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8870/97]

Mary Wallace

Question:

85 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the aids and appliances which are covered by the long-term illness allowance for children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. [8871/97]

Mary Wallace

Question:

86 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the intention of the domiciliary care allowances paid to parents of children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus; if there is any connection with payments for aid and appliances or whether these allowances are specifically for caring aspects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8872/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 together.

Domiciliary care allowance is paid by health boards in respect of children between the ages of two and 16 years who are so severely physically or mentally disabled that they need care and attention which is considerably in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. The allowance is not intended to cover the cost of aids and appliances. However, separate funds are available to health boards for aids and appliances.

There is knowledge about spina bifida and hydrocephalus among relevant personnel in the health services, acquired from education, training and clinical experience. I understand that the Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus has produced an information pack on various aspects of the conditions and how to manage them. In addition, the association has been in contact with my Department seeking funding for the publication of other information leaflets. This request will be considered when drafts of the leaflets are submitted to the Department.

It is part of the remit of social workers employed in hospitals to provide a service for any patient — whatever their illness or disability — where that need is seen to be appropriate for social work intervention. The provision of further social work services for people with disabilities was discussed in the report of the Review Group on Health and Personal Social Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities, Towards an Independent Future, as part of a range of services for people with disabilities. Officials of my Department are in discussion with the health boards about the implementation of the report.

Incontinence wear is provided to children from the age of two to three years throughout the health boards. Regarding the criteria for the provision of incontinence wear, I understand that health boards assess applicants on an individual basis taking account of their particular medical requirements and supplies are provided according to need. Accordingly, there is no specified quantity supplied on the basis of a particular condition.

Standard aids and appliances are provided free of charge to children suffering from spina bifida and hydrocephalus on foot of a recommendation from a medical practitioner or health professional following an assessment of the child's particular needs.