Louis J. Belton
Ceist:207 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding for aids, appliances and new transport for the Longford branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association. [27019/98]
Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.
The provision of aids an appliances to people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the relevant 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, the Longford Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association should, if it has not done so already, contact the Midland Health Board with its submission for funding for the items required.