Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2012
733 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if the time that a doctor is available at the health clinic in Muff, County Donegal can be extended due to the large population and catchment area of the village and the distance to the nearest clinic; and if he will also ensure that a doctor is available at the same time every week [11303/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
734 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1, who is currently in a wheelchair and receives 105 hours per week from the Irish Wheelchair Association, will experience a cut in that service in view of the recent budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11305/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives. In 2011, a total of 1.68 million personal assistant/home support hours were provided to 11,571 persons with a physical and/or sensory disability. Although the funding allocated to disability services has been cut by 3.7%, the HSE aims to maintain this level of service in 2012. Service efficiencies will be achieved through a process of negotiation with service providers around the unit cost of providing the service rather than reducing the number of hours or the pay of personal assistants.
I have referred Deputy's question relating to the service matters regarding both the individual case and the funding of the Irish Wheelchair Association to the HSE for a direct reply to the Deputy.
