Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Ceist:

739 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on spectrally activated music of optimal natural structure as a therapeutic intervention to enhance oral motor skills, speech and language skills, and reading skills; the research that has been carried out into this intervention in the State; if patients who wish to undergo this therapy will receive financial assistance from his Department or from health boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2098/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley)

I am not aware of the therapy mentioned by the Deputy. However, my Department has forwarded the Deputy's query to each of the chief executive officers of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards requesting them to seek information from professionals in their area who may be aware of this therapy. Having considered any information given, it would be a matter for the boards to decide whether consideration of financial assistance for the therapy would be appropriate.

Question No. 740 answered with Question No. 701.