Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 2

Adjournment Debate. - Services for People with Disabilities.

John McGuinness

Question:

292 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria used by the South-Eastern Health Board in decisions made on the allocation of home care to persons whose disability demands a high level of such care; if in this context, the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny can be reviewed as they require full time help each day; if the South-Eastern Health Board will fund the 29 hours per week of private care the family has had to obtain to complement the voluntary hours being covered by family members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18085/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of health related services, including home help services, to people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the South-Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

My Department established a review group on home support and personal assistance towards the end of 2001. The terms of reference of that group are: To examine the current provisions of the home support including personal assistance services provided under the Department of Health and Children and the Eastern Regional Health Authority-health boards; and to make policy recommendations on the future provision and funding of these services having regard to recent changes in Government policy on the mainstreaming of services for people with disabilities.

On receipt of this group's recommendations they will be examined by my Department.