Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 3

Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.

Austin Currie

Question:

26 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give an overview of the supports his Department gives to those who are deaf, and those who are hard of hearing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19350/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of health related services to people with sensory disabilities including those who are deaf or hard of hearing 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 main voluntary service provider currently involved in the provision of health related services to those who are deaf is the National Association for Deaf People. As well as providing funding to support residential services at St Joseph's School for the Deaf in Cabra and St Joseph's House for the Adult Deaf-Blind in Stillorgan, 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 and psychology services. People with sensory dis abilities 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.