Vol. 566 No. 1
451 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if grant aid can be made available from his Department to provide funding for a resource centre (details supplied) in County Cork which is providing services for disabled people. [11716/03]
The development of health related support services to people with physical and-or 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 maintenance and development of such services are decided by the health boards in consultation with boards' regional co-ordinating committees for physical and sensory disability services. Voluntary sector providers and consumers are also represented on the co-ordinating committees.
The Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the Southern Health Board with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
452 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason mobility allowance is only payable to persons aged between 16 and 66 years; the reason persons over 66 are not included; if this is an example of age discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11738/03]
The National Health Board Review Group on Department of Health and Children Disability Allowances-Grant Schemes was established to review certain Department of Health and Children disability allowances and grant schemes. The review group finalised draft circulars which were issued by the Department of Health and Children to all health boards in July 2002 to standardise the procedures used at health board level for the operation of the various allowances and grants.
Mobility allowance is a means tested monthly payment, payable by the health boards for persons with a severe disability who are unable to walk or use public transport and is intended to enable them to benefit from a change in surroundings, for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey. Eligible persons must reside at home or in any long-stay facility. Such eligible persons can continue to receive payment after they reach their 66th birthday. The current maximum rate of payment for the mobility allowance is €132 per month.
The review group recommended that for mobility allowance "entitlement should be extended to applicants 66 years and over who would otherwise qualify". There are no funds available this year to meet the costs of implementing this matter. It is my intention to examine this matter in the context of the Estimates for 2004.
