Vol. 546 No. 5
163 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health and Children the stage of planning of the proposed regional assessment and treatment centre for children with physical disabilities to be located in County Cavan; when funding will be allocated in respect of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32328/01]
The development of health related services, including regional assessment and treatment centres, for people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Priorities for the allocation of funding available for the development of services are decided by the health boards in consultation with the regional co-ordinating committees for physical and sensory disabilities. Voluntary sector service providers, including Enable Ireland, and consumers are represented on the co-ordinating committees. A copy of the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the North-Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
Since coming to office, this Government has allocated just over 175 million (£138 million) for the maintenance and development of health related services for people with physical and sensory disabilities. In the recent budget, I allocated additional ongoing funding of 15.24 million for services within the sector. This funding is being directed at a number of areas, such as priorities identified by the health boards in consultation with the regional co-ordinating committees for physical and sensory disability services. This will include a range of support services such as residential, respite, home supports, including personal assistance services, and therapy services. The range of services provided will vary according to local needs.
Funding will also go towards addressing the under-resourcing of the voluntary sector service providers and the replacement of staff formerly provided under the FÁS community employment scheme. This funding is in addition to the 15.29 million which is being made available in 2002 for the full year costs of 2001 development funding and identified existing service needs in the sector.
It is my belief that this level of funding is indicative of this Government's ongoing commitment to the delivery of quality health services to those who need them most and I wish to inform the Deputy that the ongoing development of services in the sector will remain one of my highest priorities.
