asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the very pressing problem which exists in relation to accommodation for mentally defective children, he will indicate when he expects the commission, which has been considering this problem for some considerable time, to report.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mentally Defective Children.
9.
I would refer the Deputy to my statement on this matter, as reported in column 1298 of the Dáil Debates of 20th February last, to the effect that I am hoping that the Commission will be able to submit its report within the next year.
As I indicated on that occasion, the fact that the Commission has not yet reported has not halted the provision of additional accommodation for the mentally handicapped. If the Deputy will refer to my statement, he will see that I mentioned that from 1st April, 1962, to the end of December last 194 new places had been provided and that I undertook that in presenting the current year's Estimate, which I hope to do next month, I would deal with the further additions which are in course of planning.