asked the Minister for Health the total number of mentally sub-normal children awaiting admission to institutions in the Republic; and the total number of new beds becoming available in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1975.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mentally Handicapped Children.
8.
On 31st March, 1970, there were 869 mentally handicapped children under 16 years of age awaiting admission to residential centres. This figure includes children who are mildly, moderately and severely handicapped. With the development of services on a day basis many children, especially the mildly handicapped are being catered for in the community.
In replies to previous Parliamentary questions, I gave particulars of the programme for the provision of about 1,500 extra places at centres for the mentally handicapped. This includes about 1,000 places for adults but the provision of these beds will, in the main, result in the release of accommodation for children and the programme, when completed, will meet the target set by the Commission of Inquiry on Mental Handicap for special residential accommodation for severely and moderately handicapped children and adults in need of such care.
I anticipate that by the end of this year 138 extra beds will have been provided, followed by 380 in 1972 and 375 in 1973. It is hoped the balance of the 1,500 places will be provided in 1974 and 1975.
Is it not ridiculous that under a Government who call themselves progressive we have 169 boys and girls of less than 16 years of age awaiting admission? If those children were got into hospitals in time many of them would become useful citizens. Will the Government not admit that they are falling down on the job?
On the contrary, the Deputy will be surprised to know that we are one of the three most advanced countries in Europe in regard to the mentally handicapped.
How many of the 169 are in the 13 years of age bracket who will not benefit under the new scheme?
I cannot make a breakdown.
(Cavan): Can the Minister say what is the average delay in having a child admitted?
It is very hard to say. It takes two or three years to train staff.
(Cavan): The Minister must have misunderstood the question. I was asking about the average waiting time before a child gets into hospital.
I could not say. The Deputy will have to put down a question.
(Cavan): I had a case where a child was waiting seven years.
It was a peculiar case with peculiar circumstances.
(Cavan): It was not. It was simply that nothing was done about it.
Will the Minister state whether he is aware that 58 children are awaiting admission to a home which is to be erected in Ballina, Count Mayo, and that no decision has been made about this home? Is he further aware that a delegation is going to America to collect money for this home?
Might I point out that we have dealt with only nine questions in 30 minutes? Will Deputies please allow questions to proceed?
It does not assist to have the Minister coming up with spurious statistics.
That is not a question.
Will the Minister answer my question?
It does not arise on the question.
9.
asked the Minister for Health the names of the institutions in receipt of capitation fees in respect of mentally handicapped children treated; the names of institutions from which applications for similar payments have been made but not yet approved; and the reasons for delay in making decisions on such applications.
As the reply to the first part of the question comprises a lengthy list of institutions I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.
With regard to the second part of the question, there are no proposals before my Department awaiting my approval to the fixing of capitation rates in respect of the care of mentally handicapped patients.
Following is the statement:
Institutions Providing Residential care for Mentally Handicapped Persons.
Stewart's Hospital, Palmerstown, County Dublin.
St. Augustine's, Obelisk Park, Blackrock.
St. Mary's, Drumcar, County Louth.
St. Raphael's, Celbridge.
House of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Lota, County Cork.
Holy Family School, Renmore, Galway.
Kilcornan House, Clarenbridge, Galway.
St. Michael's Unit, Belmont Park, County Kilkenny.
St. Vincent's, Cabra, Dublin.
St. Joseph's, Clonsilla, County Dublin.
House of Holy Angels, Glenmaroon, County Dublin.
St. Vincent's, Lisnagry, Limerick.
St. Teresa's Home, Blackrock, County Dublin.
St. Mary's, Delvin, County Westmeath.
Moore Abbey, Monasterevan, County Kildare.
La Sagesse Convent, Cregg House, Sligo.
Drumbeg, Inver, County Donegal.
Queen of Angels School, Montenotte, Cork.
St. Elizabeth's, Beech Hill, Cork.
Tracton Park, Montenotte, Cork.
St. Paul's School, Montenotte, Cork.
Peamount Hospital, Newcastle, County Dublin.
St. Patrick's, Kilkenny.
Sunbeam House, Bray, County Wicklow.
St. Mary of the Angels, Whitefield, Beaufort, County Kerry.
St. Anne's, Corville, Roscrea, Tipperary.
Bon Sauveur Hospital, Carriglea, Dungarvan, County Waterford.
Our Lady of Fair Love, Kilkenny.
St. Clare's, Castlebar.
Sligo Association of Parents and Friends Hostel, Sligo.