Vol. 471 No. 7
145 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has for the provision of personal assistants for people with disabilities who need such assistance for independent living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22198/96]
153 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health his views on whether providing personal assistants for those members of the Centre for Independent Living through FÁS is a suitable solution for those in need of the facility in view of the fact that the training can last a year and that the time constraints of FÁS training can mean that a trainee's year is over before he/she can commence such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21624/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 153 together.
The whole question of the provision of personal assistance services is being addressed by the Review Group on Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities. The review group's report is being finalised. Following consideration of its recommendation, I will make a decision about the personal assistant scheme as part of my overall decision on the appropriate development of support services for people with disabilities.
