Liz McManus
Question:61 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will co-operate with Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association, by resourcing its clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16053/99]
Written Answers. - Health Services.
Epilepsy is treated at primary, secondary and tertiary care levels and a broad range of services exists to cater for persons with this condition. Highly specialised care is available in major acute hospitals with neurology departments or from visiting neurologists.
General practitioners and public health nurses are available to provide information, guidance and counselling for people with epilepsy and people who suffer from epilepsy are entitled to a long-term illness card to pay for medication relative to this condition.
The funding of voluntary agencies, such as Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association, for the provision of health services to people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the relevant health boards in whose functional area the services are being provided. Brainwave has in the past received funding from each of the health boards for the provision of their services, including the provision of information packs for general practitioners. As recommended in the report of the review group on health and personal social services for people with physical and sensory disabilities, Towards an Independent Future, pub lished in December 1996, regional co-ordinating committees for services for people with physical and sensory disabilities have been set up in each health board area. These bring together health boards, voluntary sector service providers and consumers. One of the primary functions of the co-ordinating committee is to advise on priorities for the allocation of funds available for the development of the services. The allocation of funding to services specific to persons with epilepsy will be considered by boards in this context. This year £3 million – £6 million full year cost in the year 2000 – has been provided for the development of services.