Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
207 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she intends to take to support polio survivors; if she will establish a committee to look into the issues surrounding this condition and to address access to aids and appliances and respite care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31125/04]
View answerThe provision of health services for people with physical and sensory disabilities, including polio survivors, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. My Department is to provide additional ongoing funding of €300,000 in the current year, payable through the Eastern Regional Health Authority, to the post polio support group for the provision of aids and appliances, therapy services and other supports to people with post polio syndrome. The needs of the group will be reviewed further in the light of the resources available to my Department for development purposes in 2005.
In accordance with the 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.
