Vol. 452 No. 4
37 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the severe difficulties frequently faced by young adults with severe physical difficulties due to the lack of back-up from health services on discharge from residential care when they reach the age of 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8125/95]
Limerick East): I am aware of the need to develop services further to enable young adults with severe physical disabilities to live as independently as possible within their own community. Health service provision for people with physical disabilities is currently being examined by the Review Group on Services for People with a Physical or Sensory Disability which is due to report to me within the next few months. The group's report will examine and make recommendations on services needed to ensure that all people with physical disabilities receive the appropriate level of support and care to enable them to live in the community.
The Deputy may wish to note also that funding provided for the development of health services for people with physical disabilities increased by £1.5 million in 1993. An additional allocation of £4.5 million has been approved for the development of services for people with physical disabilities this year — £2.5 million for capital development projects and £2 million revenue funding for the development of new services. This funding will be used to develop a wide range of services including home care, day care, respite care, community-based therapy, residential care, technical aids and appliances and for providing funding to voluntary organisations. I am confident that this additional funding will enable significant progress to be made in improving services for people with physical disabilities, including those who are leaving residential care.
