Vol. 497 No. 2
243 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that handicapped persons are now finding it extremely difficult to secure the services of a personal assistant due to the fact the levels of pay for these assistants provided by the health boards are too low; the plans, if any, he has to increase the levels of pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24626/98]
I am aware that some difficulties are being experienced in the operation of the personal assistance scheme run by the Irish Wheelchair Association in conjunction with the Eastern Health Board. One of the difficulties is in recruiting and retaining persons to act as personal assistants. It has been represented to me that this is due in part to the relatively low level of remuneration being paid. I am currently considering a proposal from the Eastern Health Board to increase the level of funding for this service to enable a higher rate of remuneration to be paid by the Irish Wheelchair Association.
The operation of personal assistance schemes run by Centres for Independent Living throughout the country is not affected by this proposal as these are operated under the community employment scheme which is funded by FÁS.
