Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 5

Written Answers. - Intellectual Disabilities.

Denis Naughten

Question:

331 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will approve funding of £10,000 to support the continuation, until the year end 2001, of the family support service of an organisation (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27825/01]

Denis Naughten

Question:

333 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be provided to the Brothers of Charity Service in Ballinasloe, County Galway to reinstate the family support service for children with learning disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27848/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 333 together.

Additional funding amounting to £2.895 million, 3.68 million, with a full year cost of £3.260 million, 4.14 million, has been allocated this year to the Western Health Board for the development of services for persons with intellectual disabilities and those with autism. Decisions in relation to the precise details of the services to be provided from any additional funding and the individuals who will benefit from those services are a matter for the relevant health board, in this case the Western Health Board, in line with the priorities which have been identified for the region and any guidelines which may be issued by my Department.

As the Estimates discussions in relation to 2002 have not yet been completed, I am not in a position at this point to comment on any specific plans for the health services in that year. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply directly to him.

Question No. 332 answered with Question No. 325.

Question No. 333 answered with Question No. 331.