Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

239 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in processing an application for a disabled person's grant by the South Eastern Health Board for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if his Department will expedite the application; if his Department will further examine the case of her daughter who is disabled and is seeking financial support from his Department and the South Eastern Health Board for transport to work and daily subsistence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24519/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Services to people with disabilities, such as the assessment of applicants, to local authorities, for a disabled person's grant, motorised transport grant, mobility allowance or other assistance are the responsibility of the relevant health board. I have, therefore, transmitted the Deputy's inquiry to the chief executive officer of the South-Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine it as a matter of urgency and reply directly to the Deputy.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

240 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the home care attendant scheme has not started in the South Eastern Health Board area in view of the fact that funding was made available to the board in mid 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24520/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of services to people with physical and sensory disabilities, including home care attendants, is a matter for the relevant health board. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's inquiry to the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board for investigation and direct reply to the Deputy.