asked the Minister for Health the total number of mentally handicapped children currently awaiting entry into approved institutions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mentally Handicapped Children.
16.
On 31st March, 1971, there were 895 mentally handicapped children on the waiting lists of health boards for admission to residential centres. This figure includes children who are mildly, moderately and severely handicapped and covers an age range from less than one year up to 16 years.
Can the Minister say when he expects this backlog to be cleared?
I have already indicated to the House that with the capital made available to me by the Minister for Finance in the current year and in the year ahead there is absolutely no question of a lack of capital holding up these schemes. It relates to architects' plans, decisions by religious orders and the inevitable planning of the whole scheme plus the training of staff. In this connection there will be made available in this calendar year 380 places, in 1973, 375 places and in 1974 and 1975 650 places, so much progress is being made. I again assure the House that whereas capital does have to be rationed in respect of a number of the health services, as it does in connection with other services, there is no rationing of capital for institutions dealing with the mentally handicapped.
Would the Minister be able to say if the waiting list to which he referred in his reply is significantly lower than the waiting list for the same period last year?
Yes, it is. We made available a number of places in 1971. It is reducing gradually from a very much higher figure years ago. I have not got the actual figures.