Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 14 Mar 1995

Written Answers. - National Multiple Sclerosis Care Centre.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

77 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if he will substantially increase the subvention to the National Multiple Sclerosis Care Centre which provides first class respite care and accommodation for multiple sclerosis sufferers from £11.93 per day. [5499/95]

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

78 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if he will grant the necessary financial support to the National Multiple Sclerosis Care Centre in Rathgar, Dublin 6 which provides residential respite care for multiple sclerosis sufferers. [5500/95]

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

79 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health his views on whether a request for funding for an additional four beds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Care Centre in Rathgar, Dublin 6, is worthy of Government support in view of the fact that the existing unit only caters for eight persons. [5501/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 78 and 79 together.

I am aware of the valuable service provided by the MS care centre in Rathgar which offers respite care to people with multiple sclerosis and other severe physical disabilities. Established in 1988, the centre has been receiving funding from the health boards through capitation payments and a section 65 grant from the Eastern Health Board. This grant was increased by £40,000 in 1993 and 1994 from additional funds made available for the development of services for people with physical disabilities. In addition, my Department allocated a once-off grant of £60,000 last December to the centre to help meet its deficit.

The level of subvention payable to the centre is primarily a matter for decision between the MS care centre and the relevant health boards. Accordingly, the Department recommended that the centre hold meetings with the different health boards to discuss the provision of revenue funding and I understand that this is being followed up.

I am allocating an additional £2 million revenue and £2.5 million capital funding for the physical disability sector this year. The proposals for capital funding submitted by the Eastern Health Board include the expansion of the MS care centre accommodation from eight to 12 beds. This proposal will be carefully examined by my Department taking account of other competing priorities for capital assistance.