Vol. 505 No. 5
55 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the levels of support for epilepsy services in view of the fact that Ireland has no specialist epilepsy centre, only one neurologist is based outside Dublin and Cork and there is no epilepsy specialist nurse working in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13987/99]
60 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the establishment on a pilot basis by Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association, of a number of clinics to help provide services for those with epilepsy; if he will provide funding to allow for the establishment of a greater number of these clinics in view of their proven success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13976/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 60 together.
The provision of health services, including neurology and specialist nurses, is a matter for the health board or the voluntary hospital in the first instance.
Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association is currently running a pilot project in two health board areas, using a number of health board clinics to provide information, advice and counselling to people with epilepsy, their families and carers.
As recommended in the report of the Review Group on Health and Personal Social Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities, Towards an Independent Future, published in December 1996, regional co-ordinating committees for services for people with physical and sensory disabilities have been set up in each health board area. These bring together health boards, voluntary sector service providers and consumers. One of the primary functions of the co-ordinating committee is to advise on priorities for the allocation of funds available for the development of the services. This year £3 million, £6 million full year cost in the year 2000, has been provided for the development of services. The allocation of funding out of this for the provision of clinics to provide advice, counselling and information to people with epilepsy, their families and their carers must be considered by each board in consultation with its co-ordinating committee.
