Vol. 486 No. 1
617 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in approving the fitting of artificial limbs for a child (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will ensure that such delays do not occur in the future. [2231/98]
Arrangements for the provision of artificial limbs in any individual case are a matter for the relevant health board. Accordingly, I have referred this question to the chief executive officer, South Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the query and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
A total of £8.4 million is being made available this year for services for people with physical and sensory disabilities. One of the priority areas for funding from this allocation is aids and appliances and prostheses. Indeed, the Government has already allocated £4,325 million last year out of savings on the Vote of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs to voluntary organisations for the provision of aids and appliances to people with disabilities. This should have a positive impact on waiting lists for these items.
