Health Board Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2004

Thursday, 27 May 2004

Questions (139, 140, 141)

Jack Wall

Question:

136 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in County Kildare, in receipt of speech therapy for their child, are having the services withdrawn; the further reason a speech therapist has to attend a school, which in this case increases the travel costs and cannot attend the child in their own home; if this application will be reassessed in view of the fact that the child is making favourable progress and a withdrawal of the service will be of major concern to their parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15978/04]

Jack Wall

Question:

137 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an occupational therapist service is not available in the Kildare area to deal with the needs of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare in regard to progressing their child through primary school; if these persons can seek a private occupational therapist; if his Department will pay for such treatment; if not, the alternatives these persons have to ensure that their child can attend school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15979/04]

Jack Wall

Question:

140 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapists in the South West Health Board area; if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is in receipt of treatment from this section of the board; if not, if an application has been made for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15983/04]

Written answers

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 137 and 140 together.

The provision of health services, including speech and language and occupational therapy, 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. Accordingly, the Deputy's questions have been referred to the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matters raised and reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.