asked the Minister for Health what positive action, if any, has been taken by him in order to implement the recommendation of the mental health commission which published its findings some time ago.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Mental Health Commission.
87.
The report of the Commission of Inquiry on Mental Illness is a comprehensive document covering almost every aspect of the services for the mentally ill. In the course of its report the Commission makes one hundred and forty-six separate recommendations covering a variety of matters such as short-term care, longcommendation term care, community services, services for children, for the aged, for alcoholics, for drug addicts, preventive services, research and very many other matters in this extensive field. Many of the recommendations made are in line with policy which has been pursued for some years past and are being or have already been put into effect. Others are being examined with a view to their implementation, and consultations as appropriate are taking place in this regard with the various bodies and interests involved. I can assure the House that, in so far as lies in my power, and to the fullest extent that our resources will permit, all necessary steps to improve and extend the services for the mentally ill are being, and will continue to be, pressed ahead.
Could the Minister give details of what special steps, if any, are being taken to provide more accommodation for mentally handicapped children?
I think, with respect, that this is considered, nowadays in any event, to be a separate matter. The number of places being provided throughout the country at the moment promises to be of the order of 200 to 300, depending on the availability of trained staff and other factors, not depending on money — money is not the problem. Perhaps, if the Deputy were to put down a separate question on the subject of mental handicap, I will deal more specifically with it.