Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - Polio Treatment Services.

John Perry

Question:

477 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will establish a high level committee to examine the current situation for polio survivors to assess the impact of the late effects of polio; the steps he has taken to put it in place and the composition of the proposed committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13101/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of health related services to people with physical and sensory disabilities, including those with post-polio syndrome, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Health boards provide a range of support services to enable people with physical and sensory disabilities to live as independently as possible within the community. This includes residential respite care, day care, home support (including personal assistance services), nursing, therapy, counselling and family support, aids and appliances. Specialised residential care services are also provided.

Significant additional funding of over €179 million has been provided since 1997. This level of funding is indicative of the Government's ongoing commitment to the provision of quality services and includes: just under €30 million for aids and appliances; €60 million ongoing funding for the development of services, including residential, respite, home support and personal assistance and therapy services; €36 million for capital projects; and a significant proportion of the remainder allocated in support of voluntary sector service providers.

In addition to this level of funding, my Department, in conjunction with the Health Research Board, the health boards and the voluntary sector service providers, are currently developing the national physical and sensory disability database, which I launched in March 2002. When complete, the database will provide: at local level, a detailed picture of each individual's health service requirements over a five year period; at national level, detailed statistical information to assist in the acquisition of funds and identify priority services at which to target these resources. The database will be an essential tool in the delivery of effective services to people with physical and sensory disabilities, in a planned and co-ordinated manner.

The above-mentioned issues relate to the many and varying conditions which cause physical and sensory disabilities, including post-polio syndrome. It is not proposed to form a committee relating specifically to that condition. It is worth noting, however, that the Disability Federation of Ireland, of which the Post-Polio Support Group is a member, is represented at various fora, such as the national physical and sensory disability database committee and the review group on home support services.