Vol. 492 No. 4
70 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has considered the request for the establishment of an independent living fund to support those with disabilities to live a full life; his views on this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14256/98]
The establishment of an independent living fund has been proposed by the Centre for Independent Living as a means of funding a personal assistance service to enable people with physical disabilities to live as independently as possible in the community.
The overall thrust of policy in relation to services for people with disabilities is to provide the supports necessary to enable them to achieve the maximum degree of independence possible for each individual and, if at all possible, to live in the community. This involves the provision of a range of services, such as respite care, day care, therapy services and home supports, including personal assistants. My objective is to develop all of these services in accordance with the availability of the necessary funding.
The Government has allocated £8.4 million additional funding in 1998 for services specifically for people with physical and sensory disabilities. Of this funding, £3 million has been provided for the development of the services. Each health board will decide, in consultation with its local co-ordinating committee for physical and sensory disability, on priorities for the allocation of this funding in its functional area. The development of personal assistance services is one of the priority areas to be considered in this process.
