Vol. 481 No. 3
18 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has for the provision of residential care for persons with sensory or physical disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15316/97]
91 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the current number of respite places required in respect of persons with physical or sensory disabilities; the number he intends to provide for before the end of 1997 and in 1998; if he will meet the requirements as set out by carers and their dependants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15317/97]
92 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which he proposes to augment the funding to cater for the residential care needs of those with physical or sensory disabilities; if his attention has been drawn to the need for vastly enhanced respite care for such patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14812/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 91 and 92 together.
The report of the Review Group on Health and Personal Social Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities, Towards an Independent Future, which was published in December 1996, set out the requirements for the development of these services, including residential and respite care services. The process of implementing the report is under way. As a first step, the health boards are in the process of putting in place co-ordinating committees to examine and prioritise the future development of services at local level.
An additional £2.188 million was built into the health board allocations in 1997 to help put existing physical and sensory disability services on a more secure financial footing. In addition, £1 million revenue was provided in 1997 for priority developments mentioned in the report. Furthermore, I recently approved a once-off grant of £600,000 towards the capital costs of Donamon Castle, County Roscommon, a centre providing residential, respite and day activity services for people with physical and sensory disabilities.
I am fully committed to the further development of services for people with physical and sensory disabilities but I am not yet in a position to comment on the level of funding which may be available for any particular services in 1998.
