Paul McGrath
Ceist:18 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when the database for physical and sensory disability will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6666/03]
Written Answers - Physical and Sensory Disability Database.
David Stanton
Ceist:66 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress being made in the construction of a national physical and sensory disability database concerning health and personal social service needs as recommended in the towards an independent future report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6696/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 66 together.
The national physical and sensory disability database is currently being rolled out nationally, following its launch in March 2002. To date data collected on 15,875 individuals have been registered on the database. This figure represents just over 38.5% of the projected figures, 41,250 individuals, for the database in accordance to those registered during phase I of the roll-out. Some health boards have indicated that the final figures registered on the database may be lower than originally estimated.
My Department is pressing the relevant health boards to collect the information required for the completion of the database.