asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of mentally handicapped children on the health authorities' waiting lists for institutional care.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mentally Handicapped Children.
9.
At 31st March, 1968, there were 896 mentally handicapped children (under 16 years of age) on health authorities' waiting lists for care in the special residential centres. These waiting lists include children who are mildly, moderately or severely handicapped but full assessment of the extent of their disability had not been carried out in all cases. It is estimated that of the above numbers over one quarter are mildly handicapped. Returns for the year ended 31st March, 1969, are being compiled.
Additional residential accommodation for some 900 places is under construction or in planning for both mentally handicapped children and adults. The provision of accommodation for adults will result in freeing places intended for children which are at present occupied by adults. Some of this accommodation will be available at an early date and the remainder should be completed within a couple of years.
Details of a further programme for 600 places for mentally handicapped adults are being worked out in consultation with the various voluntary organisations engaged in the services for the mentally handicapped.
Will the Minister state the average waiting time for cases seeking admission to these institutions?
I am afraid I have not got that figure.
Is the Minister aware there is a two-year waiting time for these people? That is not very good.
The Deputy is aware we are making progress. The plans for this accommodation will be pressed forward as rapidly as possible. The Deputy knows it is a question not only of providing the actual accommodation but of training.
Would the Minister not agree that, meanwhile, these children who are awaiting admission cannot be accommodated in normal schools and suffer accordingly?
Could the Minister give priority to the severely handicapped children on this waiting list?
This is one of the many matters of which I shall have to make a study. I have not yet had the opportunity of studying every phase of health development in this country, and I prefer not to answer questions in this regard until I have done so.
In view of the fact that it will take two years to provide the additional accommodation, may I inquire if in the interim period the Minister will be prepared to introduce emergency measures to accommodate these children?
I shall have a look into that.
Has the Minister the breakdown for the various local authorities?
I have, but it would take too long to read out the list.
I do not want the Minister to read it out. Could it be included in the Official Report?
If the Deputy will ask a question I shall go into the matter in more detail.