I wish to inform the Deputy that I have met with the Post-Polio Support Group at which I welcomed their report " Social Support Groups - Beacons for the Future". I am very aware of the late effects of polio on polio survivors and the valuable contribution which the Post-Polio Support Group provide to their members who number in the region of 900 people. The organisation provides support to polio survivors and their families on behalf of the Health Service Executive (HSE) for which they received funding in 2012 of €383,000.
It is open to people represented by the Post Polio Support Group to avail of the wide range of health and personal social services and specialist disability services, if required, provided by the HSE. The Government also provides other supports including income supports through the Department of Social Protection, tax reliefs through the Revenue Commissioners, housing supports through local authorities etc.