Vol. 554 No. 5
1117 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding has been allocated to the Irish Wheelchair Association to provide respite care units on a site secured by the organisation in Belmullet, County Mayo; and if so, the amount of funding which has been granted. [16542/02]
The development of health related support services, including the provision of respite care units, to people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. 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 such services are decided by the health boards in consultation with boards' regional co-ordinating committees for physical and sensory disability services. Voluntary sector service providers and consumers are represented on the co-ordinating committees.
The Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board with a request that she examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
