Vol. 554 No. 5
1128 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional measures which he intends to put in place for the survivors of polio who are debilitated by the onset of the late effects of polio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16614/02]
The provision of health related services for people with physical and sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. 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 available funding for the development of health related services for the sector are decided by the health boards in consultation with the regional co-ordinating committees for physical and sensory disabilities. Voluntary sector service providers and consumers are represented on the co-ordinating committees. The Post Polio Support Group is represented at the co-ordinating committees by its umbrella organisation, the Disability Federation of Ireland.
Officials from my Department recently met with the Post Polio Support Group. A number of issues were raised which my Department will examine further, following which contact will be made directly with the organisation in due course.
