Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Departmental Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

1112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department will give urgent financial assistance to the Kildare branch of Enable Ireland with particular reference to the need to provide a purpose built treatment centre of excellence to cater for children and adults with physical and sensory disabilities; if his attention has been drawn to the work undertaken by Enable Ireland in the area; if he will give favourable consideration to providing the necessary assistance to enable the project to expand to cater for identified demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16510/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. O'Malley):

Since 1998 and in accordance with the recommendations of the report of the review group on health and personal social services for people with physical and sensory disabilities, Towards an Independent Future, priorities for the allocation of funding available for the development of health related services for people with disabilities are decided by the health boards in consultation with the regional co-ordinating committees for physical and sensory disability services. Voluntary sector service providers and consumers are represented on the co-ordinating committees.

A copy of the Deputy's question has been sent to the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

Question No. 1113 answered with Question No. 1098.