Vol. 547 No. 1
474 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide details of all clinics offered by his Department for persons suffering from spina bifida; if clinics exist outside Dublin and Cork; his views on whether this constitutes a considerable burden on parents from outside those areas who must travel with their children to attend these clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1072/02]
The provision of health related support services for people with physical and sensory disabilities, including spina bifida, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. It is my policy that health services be developed to meet the individual requirements of people with physical and sensory disabilities. This is achieved through service plans which are developed by the health boards. The overall thrust of these services is to enable people with physical and sensory disabilities to live as independently as possible within the community. A comprehensive community support service includes residential respite care, day care, home support services, including personal assistance services, nursing, therapy, counselling and family support, aids and appliances. Specialised residential care services are also required.
Since taking office this Government has provided significant additional funding of just over 175 million for the maintenance and development of health and personal social services for people with physical and sensory disabilities, including people with spina bifida.
The issue of transport to and from health services is recognised by my Department in the new health strategy and I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of health services in the most accessible location is given due consideration by the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards.
