Gay Mitchell
Question:222 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement with regard to the provision of a personal assistant for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24. [18004/00]
Written Answers. - Personal Assistance Service.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:224 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will increase the rates of pay for personal assistants to disabled persons who are finding it impossible to attract or keep such assistants due to the low pay rates. [18031/00]
Brendan Howlin
Question:229 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has any proposals to increase and improve the provision of personal assistants for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18053/00]
Joe Higgins
Question:237 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide the necessary funding to maintain the personal assistance scheme which operates through the Irish Wheelchair Association; and if he will meet with representatives of those availing and in need of the personal assistance service. [18215/00]
Deirdre Clune
Question:271 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the crisis within the personal assistant services due to low pay rates; the plans, if any, he has to provide additional funding for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18371/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 224, 229, 237 and 271 together.
I understand the problems raised by the Deputies are confined to the personal assistance service in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area. I am aware that problems in recruiting and retaining personal assistants to maintain the current level of service provision have recently arisen in the personal assistance service provided by the Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA, on behalf of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. I am pleased to advise the Deputies that, given the exceptional circumstances involved, I have approved the provision of additional funding to the authority this year to resolve the matter.