Vol. 510 No. 5
137 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated in 1998 and 1999 by his Department to personal assistant services as understood by the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Centre for Independent Living. [23013/99]
The personal assistance service is one of a number of home support services designed to enable people with physical disabilities to achieve the maximum degree of independence.
In 1998 a total of £596,000 was allocated by the health boards for home support services of which £190,000 was provided for personal assistance services. Finalised returns on the 1999 development funding are at present being compiled. However, on the basis of returns currently to hand, at least £404,000 has been allocated by health boards for home support services of which £306,000 is for personal assistance services.
