Vol. 491 No. 5
83 Ms Shortal l asked the Minister for Health and Children the facilities, if any, available to older people in an area (details supplied) County Cork; the plans, if any, he has for future developments to serve the needs of the local elderly community; if he will set up and finance on an ongoing basis the day care centre for the elderly in the locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12523/98]
The provision of health care facilities for older people in the Bishopstown area is a matter, in the first instance, for the Southern Health Board.
The board has advised me that public health nursing and community welfare services are provided from a health centre located in the area. Other services provided in the area include home help, meals on wheels, chiropody, general practitioner, dental, occupational therapy and community work. In addition, I am advised that there is an active voluntary sector which is grant aided by the board and provides some social activities for older people.
The board has informed me that it has identified the desirability of providing a day care centre for older people in the area and the project is on the board's priority list. To further this project, the board and the voluntary sector have been engaged in trying to identify a suitable site for the project. However, I understand that their efforts have not been successful to date but are continuing.
If, and when, a formal proposal is put to me about the financing of a day care centre, I will give the matter careful consideration.
