asked the Minister for Health (a) the number of mentally handicapped children from Cavan who are on the waiting list to enter institutions; (b) the period those children are waiting; and (c) how long more they will be obliged to wait.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cavan Mentally Handicapped Children.
1.
There are nine mentally handicapped children from Cavan on the waiting list for admission to special institutions. Of these, five have been less than one year on the waiting list; two have been from one to two years on the waiting list; and two have been from two to three years on the waiting list.
I am not in a position to say when these children will secure admission but works in progress will add 260 beds to the accommodation available for mentally handicapped children. Approval has been given for the provision of a further 240 beds and negotiations are proceeding which, it is anticipated, will result in the provision of an additional 200 beds or more.
Could the Minister give me any indication as to when those arrangements to which he refers are likely to reach completion?
If the Deputy puts down a question, I can give him the information as to when we expect the works to be completed.
The Minister does not know?
Yes, I have an idea, but I am not going to commit myself in the Dáil before I confirm what my opinion is. I am not like the Deputy: I do not speak without thinking.
Oh!