Vol. 512 No. 4
137 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a submission from the Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus for financial assistance in the sum of £32,000 to deal with its ongoing deficit accumulated over a five year period; if so, if a response has been made; if not, the plans, if any, he has to support the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26404/99]
Voluntary agencies providing services for people with physical and-or sensory disabilities are funded by the health boards under the provisions of section 65 of the Health Act, 1953. The association must approach each health board in which it is providing services for section 65 funding in relation to those services.
In keeping with the recommendations in the report, Towards an Independent Future, my Department is reviewing the overall position regarding the provision of funding for these agencies. This review comprehends the difficulties, which many agencies have encountered in recent years, regarding the build up of deficits arising out of the provision of health services for the sector. The Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus will be included in the review.
