Vol. 446 No. 3
274 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the amount of funding to the Western Health Board for incontinence wear for the mentally handicapped, particularly in the Ballinasloe and Portumna areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2089/94]
The provision of services for persons with a mental handicap in the western region, including the provision of incontinence wear, is primarily a matter for the Western Health Board.
I have been informed by the board that incontinence wear is provided for clients following an assessment of their needs by the public health nurses, all of whom have been trained in the management of this condition. The public health nurses have been advised to use their discretion, within available resources, particularly in cases where circumstances may warrant a greater than average contribution. I understand that all persons who are in receipt of incontinence wear in the board's area are currently being provided with their requirements as determined by their local public health nurse.
The board have also informed me that their budget for the provision of incontinence wear this year is £350,000 and that this matter is subject to ongoing review in the light of the resources available for this purpose.
