asked the Minister for Health what steps he intends to take to deal with the large number of mentally defective children requiring accommodation and treatment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mentally Defective Children.
The provision of accommodation for mentally defective children received special consideration under the post-war hospitals building programme. To date some 1,320 additional beds have been provided under the programme, more than doubling the accommodation previously available. In addition, schemes which will provide 240 additional beds are nearing completion.
The question of providing further accommodation for mentally defective children is being considered in conjunction with other aspects of the hospitals building programme.
Can the Minister indicate when he will have this backlog dealt with? There is quite a big number on the waiting list.
I wish I were in a position to indicate that all the problems relating to hospitalisation in this country could be solved, but I am not. I have to wait until I get the money for their solution.
Does the Minister agree this is a very important matter and one that should be dealt with immediately?
Of course it is, but all the problems relating to hospitalisation are equally urgent.
Let us have television first.