Vol. 521 No. 1
155 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the crisis in relation to the personal assistance service at the Irish Wheelchair Association; if he will arrange to meet representatives of the Leader Forum to discuss the crisis; and if the steps he will take to resolve the difficulties. [16980/00]
156 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he will take to resolve the crisis in the personal assistance service at the Irish Wheelchair Association. [16416/00]
In the first instance, the Eastern Regional Health Authority has responsibility for the provision of services, including personal assistance services, to people with physical and sensory disabilities in its functional area. The Irish Wheelchair Association, which provides a personal assistance service on behalf of the authority, has notified the authority and my Department of problems that have recently arisen in recruiting and retaining personal assistants. There are various factors involved, including the perceived inadequacy of the current rate of pay and my Department is currently examining this issue.
I intend to meet with representatives of the Leader Forum to discuss this issue.
