Vol. 543 No. 2
369 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the conclusions drawn from the recent pilot survey carried out in the Western Health Board area on the introduction of a system of needs assessment; when he will introduce the needs assessment on a national basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26144/01]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Western Health Board's participation in phase 1 implementation of the national physical and sensory disability database. The national physical and sensory disability database development committee was established in December 1998 by my Department to prepare detailed proposals for the development of such a national database. When complete, the database will provide a detailed picture of health service requirements in the sector over a five year period. Phase 1 implementation included the collection of data in four community care areas, including one in the Western Health Board area. As a result of the information collected, the development committee has now finalised its recommendations and these are being considered by my Department. It is hoped that the database will be rolled out at a national level over the coming months.
