Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 7

Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

68 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to fund the expansion of the summer independence training and respite care programme which the Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus has run each year since 1970 in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, and which facilitates members countrywide; and if he will provide the deficit funding of £32,000 accumulated by the association which is principally related to the provision of respite care and a liaison nurse service for members at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. [27068/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

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 to 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 to the sector. The Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus will be included in the review.