Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which he proposes to improve and extend respite care facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12772/02]
Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:122 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which he proposes to address the ever increasing needs in respect of the provision of respite care for those with various disabilities, having particular regard to the needs of the carers and the extreme shortage of places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12396/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 122 together.
The provision of health related support services, including respite care, to people with disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Priorities for the allocation of funding available for the development of services, including respite care, are decided by the health boards in consultation with the regional co-ordinating committees for intellectual disabilities and for physical and sensory disabilities.
Since 1997, additional revenue and capital funding of more than €500 million has been provided for the maintenance and development of health related services, including respite care for people with disabilities. More than 490 additional respite places were provided between 1997 and 2001 and funding has been provided for an additional 75 places for people with an intellectual disability in 2002. It is my policy to continue to develop the services in line with the needs highlighted in the national intellectual disability database.
In terms of services for people with physical and sensory disabilities, my Department, in conjunction with the Health Research Board, the health boards and the voluntary sector service providers, is currently developing the national physical and sensory disability database which, when complete, will provide an accurate picture of the service requirements, including the respite care requirements, in the sector. The database will enable services to be planned and delivered in a co-ordinated and efficient manner to provide an effective and seamless service to people with physical and sensory disabilities.