Vol. 496 No. 7
62 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has given consideration to the Eastern Health Board's ten year plan for services for older people; his views on whether a sum of approximately £250 million will be required for essential services in the eastern region; if he is committed to providing funding for this pro-gramme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23954/98]
Discussions have been held between officials of the Eastern Health Board and my Department regarding the implementation of the board's ten year action plan for services for older people. The Deputy will be aware that my Department has provided considerable additional resources to the board, over the past few years, to improve services for older people both in institutional and community-based care. It is my intention that the board will continue to be supported in the development of services for older people, as outlined in its ten year plan, through the identification of priority service requirements, which will be dealt with on a phased basis as resources permit.
