Vol. 553 No. 6
220 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to the national database of people with physical and sensory disabilities, it is intended to compile data on people over 65 who have a physical or sensory disability; the measures he intends to take to ensure their needs are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14845/02]
With regard to people with physical and sensory disabilities, there is currently no reliable statistical information available for the planning and provision of health and personal social services for people in that sector. The establishment of the national physical and sensory disability database will enable a planned and pro-active approach to be taken in the delivery of health related services to people with physical or sensory disabilities.
In terms of the inclusion of people who are over 65 on the database, it should be pointed out that as people become older, they become more susceptible to physical or sensory disability of some nature or other. The impact of the inclusion of people over the age of 65 would be significant at this stage in terms of data collection and the update of the database. However, it is envisaged that there will be sharing of information between the various sections of the health boards concerning the planning and provision of services to these care groups.
The national physical and sensory disability database Committee will review the criteria for inclusion on the database on an ongoing basis, and I am confident that once the database has initially been rolled out, there will be further discussion regarding the inclusion of people who are over 65. These discussions will reflect the need for services to be delivered to people with physical or sensory disabilities in a seamless and appropriate manner.
