Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 4

Written Answers. - Health Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

89 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has assessed the waiting period for aids and appliances recommended by occupational therapists for elderly patients with special needs; the typical waiting period in the Dublin area; and the plans, if any, he has to deal with a waiting period that is reported to be at least 15 months in many parts of the city. [2815/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

The provision of aids and appliances in the Dublin area is a matter for the Eastern Health Board. I understand from the board that the average waiting period for aids and appliances in eight of its ten community care areas is about two months. The waiting period in the remaining two community care areas is significantly longer, but in these two areas, priority cases are processed in a much a shorter period of time.