Vol. 554 No. 5
1042 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will examine the considerable delays in the provision of occupational therapy at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if suggested reforms (details supplied) could be made to improve the service. [16047/02]
The provision of occupational therapy services to meet the needs of local communities within its functional area is a matter for the relevant health board or the Eastern Regional Health Authority. In the case of Dublin West, community care area 5, this responsibility rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. I have been advised by that authority that a number of vacancies exist in area 5 but that a recruitment agency has been appointed recently and it is hoped that additional personnel will be appointed to these posts over the coming months. A number of initiatives are also being considered and developed in relation to models of service delivery and these will be reviewed at the end of October.
