Vol. 545 No. 5
123 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the financial support available to people with disabilities who require a personal computer in order to communicate effectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31025/01]
The provision of technical aids and appliances, including a personal computer, for people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Funding totalling £23.325 million, 29.617 million, has been provided between 1997 and 2001 specifically for aids and appliances for people with physical and sensory disabilities. Priorities for the allocation of funding available for the provision of aids and appliances are decided by the health boards and are based on individual needs rather than centre-based needs.
