asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the considerable delay in securing the admission of mentally retarded children to suitable schools or institutions; and if he will take steps to expedite the rate of admission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mentally Retarded Children.
10.
Despite the fact that in recent years the number of places in the special residential schools and institutions for the mentally retarded has been increased by more than 150 per cent. to the present figure of 2,620, I am aware that the amount of accommodation for mentally handicapped children is still inadequate and that there is, therefore, delay in the admission of such children to suitable institutions.
Work is now in progress on two schemes which will provide a further 200 beds and, apart from new building, the possibility of using premises, no longer required for their original hospitals purposes, is constantly under review. These developments should help to relieve pressure as an interim measure, but, for the reasons set out in the White Paper published some little time ago, it is desirable that the whole problem should be examined comprehensively and, as announced, steps are in train to set up a Commission of Inquiry for that purpose.