Vol. 493 No. 4
118 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the resources, if any, available for the provision of training, supply and upkeep of guide dogs; his views on the perception that supply is limited due to lack of financial resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16452/98]
The provision of financial assistance to voluntary organisations providing services to persons with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the relevant health board. I understand that the health boards provided a total of £31,700 in grant assistance to the Irish Guide Dogs Association in 1997.
It has not been represented to me that there is a difficulty with the supply of guide dogs due to a lack of financial resources.
