Vol. 549 No. 1
180 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the degree to which he proposes to address the needs of people with disabilities in the future with particular reference to respite and home care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6115/02]
The provision of health related services for people with disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Between 1999 and 2001, 395 new respite places were put in place in addition to an increase in the availability of home support services, for persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism. The provision of further additional funding in 2002 will see another 75 new respite places come on stream this year. Since 1997, additional funding of €175 million has been allocated to the ongoing development of health related services, including respite and home support services, for people with physical and sensory disabilities. This significant level of funding has provided an additional 95 respite places and €19.681 million in ongoing revenue for the development of home support services.
In addition to this funding, my Department, in conjunction with the Health Research Board, the health boards and the voluntary sector, is currently developing a national physical and sensory disability database which when complete will provide a detailed picture of the service requirements, including respite and home support services, of people with physical and sensory disabilities over a five year period. This database will enable a co-ordinated and planned approach to be taken in the delivery of services to individuals as required.
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot at this stage comment on specific funding for any element of the health services prior to the conclusion of the annual Estimates and budgetary discussions. However, as these services are vital in enabling families to continue to support their family member at home, the Government is committed to the continued expansion of these services.
