asked the Minister for Health the total amount of State aid given to voluntary organisations for the physically handicapped in each of the last three years and the amount allocated in the 1979 budget.
Written Answers. - Physically Handicapped.
360.
I have asked health boards for details of such aid. I will transmit the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
361.
asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, to remedy the lack of statistical information relating to the number of physically handicapped people in Ireland.
362.
asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, for a comprehensive survey on the needs of physically handicapped people in each health board area.
363.
asked the Minister for Health the efforts made to collect basic information on physically handicapped people in each health board area with a view to identifying needs and providing the services to meet those needs.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 361, 362 and 363 together.
A working group of representatives of health boards, in consultation with my Department, the National Rehabilitation Board and the Medico-Social Research Board, are considering arrangements for the introduction of a common form of registration of physically handicapped persons. The purpose of the register will be to ensure the needs of individuals are identified and to facilitate the planning of services and the conduct of epidemiological studies.