Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 1997

Vol. 480 No. 6

Written Answers - Community Care Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

263 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on a grant to Shandon and North Cathedral Community Association to enable it to extend its community centre and construct two new offices, waiting-rooms and toilets in order that the Southern Health Board welfare services can be made available to the community in the area. [14370/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen):

I am aware of the services being provided by the Shandon and North Cathedral Community Association to the residents in its catchment area.

I also understand that because a high percentage of older people use the centre the association is anxious to include the provision of public health nursing, community welfare, chiropody and other relevant health services in the centre and that the provision of these services will entail the refurbishment and extension of the present building at a cost of something in excess of £ 135,000.

The provision of health services in the Cork area is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance. I have been advised that officers of the health board are at present in discussion with the association. However, the question of locating health services within the centre has yet to be determined. I also understand that the association made a representation to the Southern Health Board's Community Care Standing Committee on Friday 26 September and based on this representation the board is now considering whether it will locate health services in the centre and it will be in contact with my Department on this matter in the near future.