asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the advisability of opening an institutional centre to deal with the problem of severely retarded children in the south-east area of the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Treatment of Retarded Children.
43.
At the moment the number of places available in special residential homes for severely mentally handicapped children is 516 and for severely mentally handicapped adults is 346. A further 60 places for such children will be ready for occupation within the next few months. I have approved of proposals which should result in 80 to 90 places for such children on a temporary basis and the planning of a further 200 places on a permanent basis is in progress.
None of this accommodation for children is situated in the south east area of the country, but it is available to children from that area.
I have been, and am still, endeavouring to interest suitable organisations in establishing a special home in the South East region for mentally handicapped children, including those who are severely mentally handicapped.
May I take it from the Minister that if the western region were included in any proposal they would also get consideration?
Mr. O'Malley
This problem is not handled on a district or regional basis.
It is on a national basis then.
Could the Minister state the number of children who cannot find accommodation and who are badly in need of it.
Mr. O'Malley
I could not give the Deputy an exact figure but there is a large number—in fact far too many.
44.
asked the Minister for Education what plans he has to provide education for moderately retarded children in rural areas.
45.
asked the Minister for Education if he has yet made any decision in reference to the problem of special education for mildly retarded children in rural areas.
I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, with your permission to take Questions Nos. 44 and 45 together.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question of 16th June, 1965. The examination mentioned in that reply has not yet been completed.
As far as I can recollect, the Minister's reply then was that he was waiting for the Report of the Commission. Since that reply, the Commission's Report has been published. Has the Minister not had time to take any decision on that? Does he not realise the extreme urgency of the problem in relation to educational facilities for mentally retarded children?
I think the Deputy's recollection is slightly at fault. The reply I gave was after the Report of the Commission had been issued. I said that the recommendations relating to this matter were being examined in my Department and that I was not in a position to state how soon the result of the examination would be known. That examination is still in progress. I realise the urgency of the matter but it cannot be speeded up any further and there is no avoidable delay.
Could the Minister not give the House a little encouragement by telling us when he expects to be in a position to take that decision?
No; it would not be possible for me to make a forecast of that nature.