Vol. 398 No. 1
185 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the problems being encountered by those suffering from physical disabilities in relation to the critical need for short-term and long-term residential places, day care facilities, support for family carers and income support; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am fully aware of the needs of people with physical disabilities in the areas mentioned by the Deputy and to this end I have, despite the budgetary pressures, allocated substantial money to improve such services. Principal among these is the provision of a new short-term residential respite MS care centre in Terenure, Dublin; new residential facilities at St. Joseph's and St. Mary's Deaf Schools, Cabra; the development of a home care attendants' scheme by the Irish Wheelchair Association and assistance towards the provision of new facilities for the National Council for the Blind. Grants have also been given to the Cerebral Palsy Association for a new hydrotherapy pool, to the Cystic Fibrosis Association for its outreach nursing scheme and physiotherapy service and to the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association for its domiciliary service.
Proposals are also under consideration at present for the development of new long-term residential facilities by the Cheshire Foundation at Monkstown, County Dublin, Letterkenny and Sligo.
With regard to income support, this year's budget provided for an increase of over 10 per cent in the disabled persons maintenance allowance from July next bringing the personal rate from £47.20 to £52.00 per week. Other allowances for disabled persons including the blind welfare, domiciliary care, and mobility allowances will increase by 5 per cent.
