§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many deaf-blind people were resident in the area of each local authority at the latest date for which figures are available; how many local authorities do not currently offer basic rehabilitation and social work support services for deaf-blind people; what action he is taking to improve local provision for them; and if he will make a statement. [27143]
§ Mr. Moss[holding answer 8 May 1996]: In Northern Ireland responsibility for rehabilitation and social work services lies with the health and social services boards and trusts. The number of deaf-blind people known to each board is as follows:
- Eastern: 189
- Northern: 25
- Southern: 127
- Western: 129
A key objective of the regional strategy for Northern Ireland health and personal social services 1992 to 1997 was that each board should ascertain the number and needs of sensorily impaired people in its population and ensure access to specialist teams of staff to provide support for people with a hearing and/or visual impairment. Boards have identified services for sensorily impaired people as a priority in their purchasing plans in accordance with their regional strategy and rehabilitation and social work services are provided for deaf-blind people within each board area.