Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.

Tony Gregory

Question:

488 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the funding crisis (details supplied) facing St. Vincent's Centre, Navan Road, Dublin 7, which provides for the needs of profoundly disabled persons; the steps he will take to ensure that there is no reduction in respite care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15180/03]

Finian McGrath

Question:

526 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if St. Vincent's Centre can be financially assisted by his Department in view of the fact that it will be forced to cut respite and day care services in September due to a lack of funding. [15399/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 526 together.

The ERHA has informed me that negotiations are continuing between it and the Daughters of Charity regarding the level of service provision to be provided in the current year. At this point agreement has been reached to provide the same level of residential services as in 2002. The authority is responsible for the funding of services to people with intellectual disability or autism in the Dublin region. My Department has asked its chief executive officer to reply directly to the Deputies in relation to any further developments in this matter.