Vol. 543 No. 2
362 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide additional funding for the Western Health Board for the provision of respite care for 26 children who are currently without a service in the Ballinasloe area of County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26137/01]
363 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide additional funding for the Western Health Board for the development of respite services for adults through the Brothers of Charity, Ballinasloe, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26138/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 363 together.
Additional funding amounting to £175,000, with a full year cost of £210,000 was provided for the Western Health Board in 2001. A further £200,000 was also provided to put in place four high support respite places as part of the specialist support services for persons with significant challenging behaviour. I understand from the board that £76,000 was allocated this year to enhance the respite services for both children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Ballinasloe area.
As the Estimates discussions in relation to 2002 are still under way, I am not in a position to comment on any specific plans for the health services in that year. Decisions in relation to the precise details of the services to be provided from any additional funding and the individuals who will benefit from those services are a matter for the relevant health board – in this case the Western Health Board – in line with the priorities which have been identified for the region and any guidelines which may be issued by my Department.
