Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 5

Written Answers. - Sensory Disability Grants.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

84 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to provide a scheme of grants for deaf and deaf and dumb people in view of the additional living costs associated with their disability; if his attention has been drawn to the additional difficulties experienced by deaf and deaf and dumb people in going about their daily business, and the frequent need for interpreters to assist with many aspects of ordinary life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9814/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan

, Limerick East): I am aware that people with physical and sensory disabilities, such as deaf and deaf and dumb people, may incur additional costs as a result of their disability. The Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities recommended the establishment of a costs of disability payment. The implementation of this and the other recommendations of the commission is being examined by an interdepartmental task force which is to report to the Government by June 1997.