Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the proposal for a debate on health services. I recently met representatives of the Brothers of Charity and the Galway Association on funding in the area of disability. It is outrageous that the system is the same as that under the health board whereby in the western region, for every euro Roscommon receives Mayo receives two and Galway three. It is based on a mathematical formula rather than an assessment of needs. A more realistic system should be put in place for the voluntary and disability sectors.

I was told at the meeting that money is badly needed in the areas of occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy. These organisations have the personnel but need funding to allow these therapies to be put in place in the western region.