Vol. 566 No. 1
461 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that meals on wheels services for the NAHB of Dublin are being cut by 14% over the next few weeks; and if his attention has further been drawn to the severely damaging consequences to the community. [11773/03]
Responsibility for the provision of health services in north Dublin rests with the Northern Area Health Board, NAHB, operating under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority.
Additional funding available for non-capital investment in services has been allocated to the health services. This funding is being applied largely to maintaining existing levels of service across all service programmes including services for older people.
The number of clients who received meals on wheels in the NAHB in 2002 was 16,510. This is a valuable community support service which enables older persons to live in dignity in their own homes. During 2002, the NAHB examined various protocols to ensure a more efficient use of resources, as well as the upgrading of premises and equipment, and of training of staff in food safety standards. Unfortunately, the withdrawal of community employment workers who were employed in this service has led to reduced services in some areas.
