Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 18 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 7

Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

166 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the scale and quality of the services provided by the Fr. John Sullivan Centre, Clane, County Kildare; if he will make a positive financial contribution to these services in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24152/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

167 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received correspondence from the Fr. John Sullivan Centre, County Kildare, indicating the extent of requirements in terms of capital or current funding; if it is intended to respond positively to this application by the end of 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24153/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.

I am aware of the position regarding the Fr. John Sullivan Day Activity Centre at Clane, County Kildare, and the Eastern Health Board has identified the need for investment in the building accommodation. The position is that additional capital funding of £3 million was made available in 1998 for services to people with physical and sensory disabilities. At this stage this funding has been allocated to the health boards for specific projects and accordingly, I am not in a position to provide further funding for this centre for upgrading of their present facilities at this time. However, the board's proposal will be considered in the context of available capital funding in 1999.