226 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for a specific item to be provided to an elderly person (details supplied) in County Cork. [34952/10]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

227 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put in place a long-term national vision strategy to plan for and co-ordinate the expected dramatic increase in demand for sight loss services in the years ahead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34955/10]

From a disability perspective, the focus of any health or personal social service supports is to facilitate full participation in the social and economic life of the community. The extent and description of the supports required must be consistent with the person's individual assessed need. The focus of health service provision for people with a disability is not a medical diagnosis. The Disability Act 2005 provides for, among other things, an individual assessment of need, a person centred service statement and the provision of individualised supports. This policy moves away from the provision of segregated, health-based, group services for people with a disability. As such, when policies/strategies/action plans are in development in relation to persons with a disability, generally those with visual impairment or blindness are included.