Vol. 498 No. 2
200 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make the necessary funds available for a replacement bus to transport people with disabilities in south Mayo to a day centre (details supplied). [26872/98]
The provision of aids an appliances to people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the relevant health board. I recently announced, by way of Supplementary Estimate for 1998, the provision of once-off funding of £4 million to provide much needed equipment, including such items as wheelchairs and accessible transport for people with disabilities. This will be distributed on a regional basis through health boards to specific organisations including the Irish Wheelchair Association who will receive a total of £1. 5 million nationwide.
Accordingly, I have referred the details of the case provided by the Deputy to the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board and asked him to have the matter examined and to reply directly to the Deputy.
