Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Personal Assistance Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the current position in relation to the retention and payment of personal assistants by persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14106/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

220 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is proposed to provide a permanent and ongoing system for the payment of personal assistants to enable those with disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life and participate in society and the workplace, having particular regard to the country's improved economic capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14515/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 220 together.

In the first instance, the health boards have responsibility for the provision of services, including personal assistance services, to people with physical and sensory disabilities. Health boards may also provide funding by way of section 65 grants to voluntary agencies providing such services to people with physical and sensory disabilities. The Centre for Independent Living, a voluntary organisation which is involved with the promotion of independent living through the use of personal assistants, provides personal assistance services using health board funding and also using the FÁS community employment scheme.

I am aware that problems have arisen in recent times in recruiting and retaining personal assistants. There are various reasons for this, including the perceived inadequacy of the current rate of pay in respect of those personal assistant services provided or funded by the health boards. My Department is currently examining this issue.