Dan Neville
Ceist:355 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will introduce a nationwide service for the provision of personal assistance. [21385/02]
Written Answers. - Personal Assistance Service.
The provision of health related services, including personal assistance services, is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Under the Health Acts, health boards have certain statutory functions in relation to health services. Subject to Government policy and any general directions that may be issued from time to time, it is a matter for each health board to determine how best to discharge these functions, whether through the provision of services directly by the board or by providing financial assistance to voluntary bodies.
My Department, in consultation with the health boards and the voluntary organisations, is reviewing the home support services, including personal assistance services. The group will report to me before the end of the year.
Between 1997 and 2001 a total of €19.681 million ongoing revenue funding has been made available for the home support services, including personal assistance. In addition to this funding, my Department, in conjunction with the Health Research Board, the health boards and the voluntary sector, is developing a national and physical and sensory disability database, which when complete, will provide a detailed picture of the service requirements, including home support services, of people with physical and sensory disabilities over a five year period. This database will enable a co-ordinated and planned approach to be taken in the delivery of services to individuals as required.