264 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made regarding the provision of a nursing unit on Aranmore Island, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4712/02]

The provision of health services in the Donegal area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the North-Western Health Board. My Department has made inquiries of the board concerning the issue raised and has been advised that, in response to the recommendations of the interdepartmental co-ordinating committee on island development, the board set up an island review group to conduct a comprehensive review of health needs and service provision for island communities. In 1999, the review group recommended the provision of a small nursing unit – six to eight beds – for Aranmore. It was planned to develop the unit on the site of the existing health-day centre. Architects were engaged and draft plans were produced in consultation with committee members and representatives of the island community. However, difficulties arose and the architects suggested that the site was not suitable to accommodate the proposed development.

The board subsequently made contact with the owner of the land adjacent to the health-day centre and purchased an additional .783 acres. Ongoing discussions are taking place with the local island community as to the type of accommodation required to meet the residential needs of the community.

265 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 125 of 17 October 2001, the chief executive officer's report has been made available. [4718/02]

As the Deputy is aware, the provision of health services in the Carlow area is the responsibility of the South-Eastern Health Board. Following receipt of the Deputy's further inquiries, my Department again made inquiries of the chief executive officer of the board.

I have been informed by the board that a letter was issued to the Deputy from the appeals officer of the South-Eastern Health Board on 26 November 2001. In this letter, the Deputy was advised that the applicant was assessed as being of high dependency, thus eligible for a subvention of £120 –€152.37 – per week. Following an assessment of means and a review of the case, the applicant was deemed to qualify for a subvention of £10.27 –€13.07 – per week. I am advised that this is the maximum the board can provide in this case. I am further advised by the board that the situation has not changed since this letter was issued.