Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Oct 2001

Vol. 543 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

187 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the total number of places, permanent and respite, in County Kildare for persons with physical or sensory disabilities; his plans for an increase in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25815/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

188 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which he proposes to meet requirements in terms of permanent and respite places for those with physical or sensory disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25816/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.

The provision of health related support services, including residential and residential respite services, for people with physical and sensory dis abilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. 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.

The National Physical and Sensory Disability Development Committee was established by my Department in conjunction with the Health Research Board, the health boards, and the voluntary sector to develop a set of recommendations for the establishment of a national physical and sensory disability database. My Department is currently reviewing the committee's recommendations and it is envisaged that the database will be rolled out nationally in the coming months. When complete the database will provide a picture of service needs, including residential and residential respite facilities, in the sector and I will endevour to meet these service requirements as funding permits.