asked the Minister for Health the number of severely handicapped children awaiting admission for institutional treatment in the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Handicapped Children.
1.
On 31st March, 1970, the latest date in respect of which information is available, there were 370 severely handicapped children under 16 years of age awaiting admission to residential centres. I have outlined to the House on a number of occasions the steps which are being taken to provide additional places for the mentally handicapped who need residential care. When these additional places are available the waiting period for admission to residential care should no longer be a problem.
Could the Minister state whether the figure for those awaiting admission has increased or decreased since last year?
The Deputy will have to ask me the question as to exactly how many places were provided in this passing year. Between 200 and 300 were provided in the year.
The Minister has not quite taken my point. What I am asking him is whether he is able to contain the figure or whether it is rising all the time. There is very little movement out of institutions for severely handicapped children and the number must increase unless they die.
I can only reply indirectly by saying that from the information available to us, it would appear that the provision of 1,500 additional places for severely handicapped, moderately handicapped and mildly handicapped children and adults is sufficient. It is difficult to calculate the number of those who are mentally handicapped because very often such children do not come to the notice of local authorities. In the case of severely handicapped children, the figure is a stable one. The pattern does not change very much and represents a certain number of children who emerge each year.
Can the Minister say what is the longest period of time that any child from this list of 370 must wait?
That is a separate question.
I cannot say.
Would the Minister agree that it might be two or three years?
Yes, some have been waiting for a very long time.