Vol. 526 No. 3
284 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make immediate funding available to St. Joseph's School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Boys at Drumcondra, Dublin 9 for the provision of the pre-school service. [26817/00]
The provision of health related support services, including pre-school services, to people with physical or sensory disabilities is a matter for the relevant health board. Priorities for the allocation of funds available for the provision and development of such services are decided by the health boards in consultation with the regional co-ordinating committees on physical and sensory disability services. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
285 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will establish a national centre for visually impaired children with a co-ordinated approach to supporting all children with visual and physical disabilities. [26818/00]
I have recently received a copy of the report of the planning group for a national centre for children with visual impairment. The group's report puts forward a comprehensive range of very significant proposals and these are currently being considered in my Department.
Decisions regarding the implementation of this report will be taken when the report has been fully considered.
