XN000022-1995-02-25 — Page 3

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"We have, therefore, started a comprehensive review to assess how well our social security arrangements are meeting the needs of CSSA recipients. We shall be drawing up proposals at the end of the year," she said.

On welfare services for the elderly, Mrs Fok said $1.1 billion had been earmarked for 1995/96, an increase of some 20 per cent over last year.

Under this item, 23 more social centres, three multi-service centres, four day care centres, 1,489 care-and-attention places for the elderly, and 150 home for the aged places will be provided.

In addition, the Government is set to implement the recommendations of the Working Group on Care for the Elderly during the year, which include the setting up of an Elderly Services Development Fund to encourage private sector investment in the development of elderly services, training for 400 health workers for private homes for the elderly, introduction of elderly volunteers programmes, and a consultancy study on the needs of the elderly for welfare services.

To enhance the provision of outreach medical services for elderly people residing in subvented residential homes, Mrs Fok said the Hospital Authority would establish four additional specialist teams at an annual recurrent cost of $19 million.

The teams will endeavour to improve the way in which elderly people are assessed for placement in appropriate institutions and pass on their skills to carers who look after elderly persons outside a hospital setting.

Turning to rehabilitation, Mrs Fok reiterated the Government's firm commitment to promote further the integration of people with a disability into the community.

"This is why we will be spending over $1 billion next year on direct services in this area," she said.

New initiatives include the provision of over 470 additional places in pre- school centres for children with a disability and an extra 2,295 places for adults with a disability in day and residential centres.

The recommendations made by the Working Party on Services for Autistic Persons will also be implemented at a cost of $5.3 million in 1995/96, rising to $30 million in 1999/2000.

Furthermore, $7 million will be spent on public education in the next financial year as part of Government's four-year $32 million public education package on integration.