asked the Minister for Health the extent of financial assistance by his Department to the National Rehabilitation Institute; and if he has any input towards policy pursued by the institute in their commercial activities.
Written Answers. - National Rehabilitation Institute.
45.
The Rehabilitation Institute receive financial assistance from the health boards by way of capitation payments and contributions towards travel expenses in respect of trainees attending their centres. The institute also receive capital grants from time to time in respect of the cost of building new workshops, and contributions towards rental charges on some existing workshop facilities. The total aid from health boards in 1984 amounted to £1.7 million.
As the Deputy is aware, the rehabilitation institute are a voluntary body. Even though they receive support from public funds it is not policy to intervene in the commercial activities of a body such as this, particularly when these activities are intended to be in the best interests of disabled persons.