Vol. 498 No. 5
162 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding in 1999 for the provision of the new assessment centre at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28018/98]
The South-Eastern Health Board, in consultation with voluntary sector service providers, user groups and parents, has drawn up plans for a regional facility in Waterford to provide services for people with physical and sensory disabilities. This will be discussed with the board's regional co-ordinating committee for physical and sensory disability services in the context of deciding on priorities for the allocation of funding available in 1999 for the development of these services.
In 1999 additional funding of £9.4 million revenue — £12.4 million full year cost in the year 2000 — is being made available for services to people with physical and sensory disabilities, of which £3 million — £6 million full year cost in the year 2002 — is for the development of the services. In addition, £4 million is being made available for capital projects. Of the £3 million for development, £100,000 has been allocated to the South-Eastern Health Board.
