asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the pressing need for established residential and day centres for autistic emotionally-disturbed children outside Dublin; and if he can say if his Department have any plans for ensuring that such centres are opened in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Centres for Autistic Children.
45.
I told Deputy Harte on the 11th May last in reply to a somewhat similar question that I am aware of the need to provide a further unit, or units, for mentally ill children, including autistic children, similar to that at St. Loman's Hospital, Ballyowen, County Dublin, and that I hope that it may be possible to provide at least one such unit outside Dublin soon. A major difficulty in that connection is the recruitment of adequately trained staff.
The establishment of a further day centre outside Dublin similar to that operated at St. Kevin's Hospital, Dublin, which complements the unit at St. Loman's is being considered in conjunction with the establishment of a further residential centre.
Can the Minister indicate the location of the proposed new institution outside Dublin? I gather the main problem is one of staff so I take it a decision has been taken with regard to location.
In Cork. The position at the moment is that papers have been sent to this expert in the hope that he will come to Cork.
Can the Minister say how soon this project will get under way?
Within the next week. We are hoping this expert will sign the document.