Vol. 516 No. 5
194 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which the £35 million allocated in Budget 2000 to the intellectual disability sector will be spent; if he will give details in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8520/00]
The additional revenue funding of £35 million will provide, at a minimum 555 new residential places; 185 new respite places; 700 new day places; health related support services for persons with autism; the continuation of the programme to transfer persons with an intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements; additional specialist and other support services.
This is the largest single new revenue investment ever made in the services and is further evidence of the Government's commitment to address the needs which have been identified for this population group.
195 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health and Children where the £5 million allocated in Budget 2000 for aids and appliances will be directed; the way in which this funding will be allocated; if he will give details in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8521/00]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the supplementary estimate of £5 million granted to my Department in December 1999 for aids and appliances for people with physical and sensory disabilities.
This once-off funding was allocated to the health boards to address waiting lists for such items on a priority basis.
196 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress, if any, on the cost of payments to disabled persons; if a payment will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter [8536/00]
The cost of disability payment, as envisaged by the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, covers a range of additional costs related to disability such as health, travel and living costs, including fuel, food and clothing. As many of these items are outside the health area, any consideration of the introduction of such a payment should involve other agencies. The establishment of a cross-Department working group for this purpose is currently under consideration by my Department.
