Deirdre Clune
Question:85 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the services he provides to enable those with a sensory disability to fully participate in society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18235/01]
Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.
Deirdre Clune
Question:86 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedures which are in place to ensure accountability for funding allocated to supporting those with sensory disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18236/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 86 together.
The provision of health related services to people with sensory disabilities and the accountability for funding allocated for the provision of such services is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards. The health boards may provide services directly themselves or fund a voluntary agency to provide the services on their behalf.
The two main voluntary service providers currently involved in the provision of services to people with sensory disabilities are the National Council for the Blind of Ireland and the National Association for Deaf People. As well as providing funding to support residential services at St. Joseph's home for the deaf in Cabra, St. Joseph's House for the adult deaf-blind in Stillorgan and St. Joseph's school for the blind in Drumcondra, between 1997 and 1999, a total of £1.051 million has been allocated by the health boards for the development of a range of support services specifically for people with sensory disabilities, including rehabilitation and family support services, social work services, mobility training and psychology services. People with sensory disabilities may also avail of home support services, day care services and respite services if required.
With effect from 1999, additional funding of £5 million has been provided to the health boards each year for the provision of aids and appliances for people with physical and sensory disabilities. In identifying and processing waiting lists for such aids and appliances, the health boards consult extensively with the voluntary sector, including agencies providing services to people with sensory disabilities. From this funding, a large number of individuals with sensory disabilities have been provided with the appropriate equipment to enable them to live as independently and to participate as fully as possible within their community.
In addition to the funding outlined, between 1999 and 2000, the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind has received a total of £1.25 million capital fund ing for the re-development and expansion of its centre in Model Farm Road, Cork. This funding is additional to the £100,000 ongoing revenue being provided to this organisation by the Southern Health Board since 1999. This level of funding has enabled the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind to reduce its waiting list for new applicants for their first guide dog to be reduced from three years to just 12 months. This centre also provides long cane training to the blind and visually impaired.