Vol. 566 No. 1
531 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children his response to the cutbacks in subsidies for meals to senior citizens in the Dublin 7 area by the Northern Area Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12300/03]
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 training of staff in food safety standards. Unfortunately, the withdrawal of community employment workers employed in this service has led to reduced services in some areas.
The authority has advised my Department that the meals on wheels service for 2003 is under review and that some adjustments will have to be made in some areas. The authority has further advised that it will ensure that the meals on wheels service provided for older people in 2003 will be prioritised on the basis of those most in need.
532 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children his response to the concerns raised by the East Wall day care centre, Dublin 3 (details supplied) regarding the failure of the Northern Area Health Board to enable this service to continue its badly needed work for vulnerable senior citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12301/03]
Responsibility for the provision of health services in the East Wall area rests with the Northern Area Health Board operating under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply directly to him as a matter of urgency.
