asked the Minister for Health the number of mentally and physically handicapped children at present on waiting lists for institutional treatment with South Tipperary County Council; how long the children have been on these waiting lists; and when he expects that they will gain admission to institutions for treatment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - South Tipperary Handicapped Children.
66.
Mr. O'Malley
There are no physically handicapped children from South Tipperary on the health authority's waiting list for placement in special residential centres. The number of mentally handicapped children awaiting placement is 24, of whom seven are waiting less than 12 months; four are waiting from one to two years; five are waiting two to three years; six are waiting three to four years; and two are waiting over four years. I understand that the health authority have been offered vacancies for the two children longest on the waiting list for 26th November, and that they hope to place two of the others in the very near future.
At the end of 1964, there were 3,111 places available in the special institutions for the mentally handicapped. During the present year, an additional 225 places have become available, and a further 420 are under construction, or in planning.
Hear, hear.
May I take it a firm proposal for institutional treatment for the two longest waiting has been offered to the health authority?
Mr. O'Malley
Yes, they will be accommodated on the 26th, in a few day's time.