HC Deb 12 November 1996 vol 285 cc189-90W
Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the status of the report "Dementia in Northern Ireland", to what extent it reflects Government policy on the matter; and what resources have been allocated to deal with the problem of dementia in each of the years 1993–94 to 1996–97. [3323]

Mr. Moss

"Dementia in Northern Ireland" is the report of a team brought together by the Department of Health and Social Services in 1994 to examine policy and make recommendations on the development of services. The report has been accepted by the Department and its recommendations have been adopted as the basis for its policy in this area.

Financial provision for dementia is subsumed within overall allocations to health and social services boards, and it is a matter for each board to allocate resources within its area on the basis of assessed need and competing priorities.

Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the incidence of dementia within each of the board areas in Northern Ireland; and what the average per capita funding has been for(a) residential care and (b) respite care in each board area during the years 1993–94 to 1995–96 in respect of dementia. [3325]

Mr. Moss

Precise information about the incidence of dementia is not available as many sufferers are not in contact with services. However, it is estimated that in to 23 March 1995, the balance will be used to pay the outstanding claims arising from applications received on 23 or 24 March 1995.

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications were made in respect of the special programme for agriculture and rural development from 1 April 1994 to its suspension on 22 March 1995; of these how many were approved; and what was the total cost of the approved schemes. [2707]

Mr. Ancram

Some 5,635 applications were received under the sub-programme for agriculture and rural development from the date the scheme opened on 14 November 1994 up to 22 March 1995; 5,586 applications have been approved and the total cost of the approved applications is £31.5 million.