Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

645 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure that funding is provided through the Western Health Board for the TOPE Centre, Ballinasloe, County Galway, from 1 January 2002; his views on whether it is acceptable that participants are guaranteed a position at this centre only until December 2001; his further views on whether this position contradicts revised Government policy following the Synnot judgment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22460/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

Each year, my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance, notifies each health board of its determination for the following year. It is a matter for the individual health board to allocate these funds having regard to the level of service provided by the board. The Western Health Board has indicated to my Department that it will examine the funding for TOPE in the light of the board's 2002 determination. There has been a significant expansion in the provision of special educational facilities for people with disabilities in recent years and my Department has worked closely with the Department of Education and Science in providing health-related support services to these facilities.