Deirdre Clune
Ceist:117 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the success or otherwise of the independent living movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21930/99]
Written Answers. - Independent Living Movement.
The Independent Living Movement is a worldwide movement originating in the USA in the 1960s. The Irish arm of the movement, the Centre for Independent Living, was established in Dublin in 1992 and I understand there are now 25 centres around the country. The CIL is a voluntary organisation dedicated to lobbying in relation to the rights of people with disabilities, with specific emphasis on personal assistance, housing, transport, access and training.
The overall thrust of the Government's policy in relation to services for people with physical and sensory disabilities is to provide the supports necessary to enable them to live in the community with the maximum degree of independence possible for each individual. Health services in the sector are being developed in line with the recommendations of the report of the Review Group on Health and Personal Social Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities,Towards an Independent Future. The report sets out in detail the requirements for the maintenance and development of a range of services, including personal assistance services. Since this Government took office, a total of almost £37 million by way of additional funding has been invested in the maintenance and development of services in the sector. This year a total of £13.4 million additional funding was provided of which £3 million (rising to £6 million on a full year cost basis in 2000) is for the development of services.
In the context of the overall thrust of the development of services for people with disabilities in recent years, I would consider that the Centre for Independent Living plays a significant role in the physical and sensory disability sector.