Disability Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Ceisteanna (935, 1041)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

935. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will give the maximum support to spina bifida patients in view of the fact that Ireland has one of the highest rates in the world. [33553/14]

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

1041. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the report on the health and therapy needs of children with spina bifida in Ireland 2014 – 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34045/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 935 and 1041 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of health and personal social services for people with spina bifida. In addition the HSE National Service Plan for 2014 outlines the quantum of specialist disability services to be provided to people with disabilities, including people with spina bifida, from an allocated budget of over €1.4 billion.

I note that a research report "The Health and Therapy Needs of Children with Spina Bifida in Ireland" has been published recently by Temple Street Children's University Hospital, which I welcome. I look forward to discussing the findings with the researchers at a meeting which is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.