Vol. 504 No. 1
66 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance, if any, he provides towards the cost of a powered hoist to lift a wheelchair in order to facilitate entry to a car by a person with polio or other severe disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11238/99]
The provision of aids and appliances to persons with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the health boards. In the case of persons who are medical card holders, items of equipment are provided free of charge. In the case of persons who are not medical card holders, the boards may provide full or partial assistance towards the cost of the item depending on circumstances.
I understand the item mentioned in the Deputy's question would normally be provided by way of an adaptation to a vehicle usually carried out by or on behalf of one of the health board funded voluntary agencies providing services in the sector. Depending on the circumstances of the individual case, funding may be provided by the relevant health board for this item.
Since taking office, this Government has made almost £37 million additional funding available for health services to people with physical and sensory disabilities. This includes special allocations in 1997 and 1998, totalling £9.325 million, for the provision of aids, appliances and equipment, including accessible transport.
