Vol. 452 No. 8
121 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the delay frequently faced by spinal injury victims in receiving wheelchairs from health boards; the efforts if any, his Department is undertaking to monitor this situation; and the plans, if any, he has to deal with this situation. [8894/95]
Limerick East): I am conscious of the need to improve the supply of technical aids and appliances, including wheelchairs, to people with disabilities. This matter is currently being examined by the Review Group on Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disability whose final report is expected shortly.
However, even in advance of the review group's report, I have made available from development funds provided in 1993 and 1994 for the improvement of services to people with physical disabilities, additional funds of £261,000 for the supply of technical aids and appliances. It is expected that a significant proportion of the additional £2 million revenue funding being provided in 1995 will be devoted to the improved provision of aids and appliances.
