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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

477 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children whether a custom-built day programme area constructed on the John Paul Campus in Galway has not been opened and remains closed due to lack of funds in the Western Health Board to furnish or staff the centre; the ownership and responsibility for running this centre; the numbers for which the centre has been provided; if particular individuals have been identified for education and training therein; the amount of funding to be provided for the running of this centre in the next 12 months; when it is expected that the unit will formerly open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20432/02]

Additional revenue funding amounting to €4.79 million was provided to the Western Health Board in 2001 with a further €2.119million in 2002, to provide a range of services including residential, respite and day services for persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism. Responsibility for the allocation of such funding is a matter for the Western Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

In relation to the question of the provision of funding over the next 12 months, the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot, at this stage, comment on specific funding for any element of the health services in 2003 prior to the conclusion of the annual Estimates and budgetary discussions. However, the Government is committed to the continued expansion of these services as outlined in the programme for Government.

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