Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2004
246 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that between 7,200 and 10,500 polio survivors here are suffering real physical and increasing financial hardship; and if he has plans to help improve their quality of life. [20786/04]
View answerThe provision of health services to people with physical and-or sensory disabilities, including polio survivors, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards. My Department met with the post polio support group in 2002 and discussed a number of issues, including the possibility of setting up a high level committee to look into the issues surrounding this condition. While it is not deemed appropriate to establish such a committee, my Department undertook to investigate a number of issues which were raised and has been in contact with the group in this regard.
In accordance with commitment in Sustaining Progress, my Department will be conducting a strategic review of existing service provision for people with disabilities. Questions of access to aids and appliances and respite care which have been raised by the post polio support group will be examined as part of that review.
