29 Mr. O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will include persons with a disability and their carers as an equal social partner by ensuring that the identified needs for 1,200 residential places and for 100 respite places are filled.

44 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will include persons with a disability and their carers as an equal social partner by ensuring that the identified needs for 1,200 residential places and for 100 respite places are filled.

71 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Health if he will include persons with a disability and their carers as an equal social partner by ensuring that the identified needs for 1,200 residential places and for 100 respite places are filled.

73 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will include persons with a disability and their carers as an equal social partner by ensuring that the identified needs for 1,200 residential places and for 100 respite places are filled.

74 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health if he will include persons with a disability and their carers as an equal social partner by ensuring that the identified needs for 1,200 residential places and for 100 respite places are filled.

77 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he will include persons with a disability and their carers as an equal social partner by ensuring that the identified needs for 1,200 residential places and for 100 respite places are filled.

87 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health if he will include persons with a disability and their carers as an equal social partner by ensuring that the identified needs for 1,200 residential places and for 100 respite places are filled.

88 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to meet the Parents Association for People with a Mental Handicap to include them in the decision-making process in the disbursement of extra funds for mental handicap facilities this year.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 44, 71, 73, 74, 77, 87 and 88 together.

Persons with disabilities and their families are directly involved and consulted by the service providing agencies about their needs. These needs are reflected in the plans drawn up for development of services in each health board region. In addition, health boards have been asked to ensure that parents are consulted and kept informed on a regular basis about development plans for their areas.