Disability Support Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2006

Tuesday, 17 October 2006

Questions (173)

John Deasy

Question:

253 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that funding has been withdrawn from the People with Disabilities in Ireland Office in Dungarvan, County Waterford which has been in operation since 2002 and is to be replaced by a new PWDI office in Waterford City; if his attention has further been drawn to the difficulties this will pose for people with disabilities in west Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33075/06]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

My Department has funded People with Disabilities in Ireland Ltd. and its predecessor organisation since 1996; in 2005, this funding ran to €1,309,000. People with Disabilities in Ireland Ltd (PwDI) is an independent registered company, with responsibility for its own structure, premises, and organisation. While my Department has no direct role in relation to operational matters such as the Deputy is referring to, I understand that a separate source of funding, not related to my Department, was utilised to support the operation of the Dungarvan office since 2001, and that this funding will no longer be available from the end of this year. I am informed that PwDI will examine every option that may be available in considering the feasibility of maintaining a service in Dungarvan. I understand also that the intention is that the overall service in the Waterford Network will be enhanced as a result of the opening of a new service in Waterford city.