asked the Minister for Health the number of people classified as handicapped in this country; the percentage of (a) adults and (b) children; and if he will classify them according to categories of mental and physical handicap.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mental and Physical Handicap.
5.
Statistics showing the exact number of mentally handicapped persons are not available in this country, or, indeed any other country. The Commission of Inquiry on Mental Handicap which reported in 1965 examined the question of statistics and recommended practical targets for the development of services by estimating the numbers likely to be in need of, and presenting for services. The commission recommended that services, either on in-patient or out-patient basis, should be provided for 7,850 children and 9,300 adults. Accurate information regarding the numbers of physically handicapped persons in this country is not available. The number of persons in receipt of disabled persons maintenance allowances on 31st March, 1972, was 23,658. It is estimated that 16,000 of these are physically disabled. The disabled persons maintenance allowances are payable in respect of disabilities, which include injury, disease, congenital physical or mental illness or defect, which have continued or may reasonably be expected to continue for at least one year. They are not payable to persons with adequate means, children under 16 years or those in institutions.
There is no precise information in regard to handicapped children other than those in special schools. Of these, there are 731 deaf children, 169 blind and 257 physically disabled.
It is estimated that there are 7,300 blind adults.
When will we cease relying on estimates? Would it be possible to have a register of handicapped carried out even by the Medico-Social Research Board?
We are in touch with the National Council for Handicap about preparing a register of mentally handicapped children in institutions and day centres and also we have been dealing with the question of assessment and trying to provide a more standardised form of assessment. We are also dealing with the problem of assessing those who are on the waiting lists pending the creation of institutional facilities over a period of three years. We have all those matters under consideration.
(Cavan): In regard to the number of adults in receipt of disabled persons' allowance, does the Minister recollect stating some time ago that he proposed to alter the regulations so that only the income of the adult disabled person would be taken into account and could he tell us whether he proposes to change the regulations accordingly so as to disregard the circumstances of the family in the case of an adult disabled person?
There is no intention of altering the regulations at present.
(Cavan): Has the Minister changed his mind?
No, I said that I would do it when I could secure the finances for it. I have not been able to secure the finances for it and I regarded other improvements in the health services as being of greater priority. It would cost £1,200,000 to do what the Deputy suggests. It is something I would like to do and will do at the earliest possible opportunity.
Question No. 6.
Has the Minister any information concerning the length of time which these many adults, and particularly children, have to wait before they are provided with proper institutional care?
I have given a reply to the House innumerable times on that. If the Deputy will look back at the records of the House he will find that there is a programme which is going to take some three years and which is fully planned. The institutions and the organisations that are preparing the places have been given notice that finance will be provided and the only delays relate to the preparation of architectural plans and the training of staff. It will take three years to complete.
(Cavan): It took a parliamentary question to get that after eight years.
Question No. 6.
In spite of the number of times the Minister has adverted to this matter, there are still innumerable people waiting, many waiting for eight and ten years for accommodation.
In spite of all that I can say without fear of contradiction that, of the countries of Europe, we have one of the three best handicap services in Europe.
(Cavan): God help the others if that is so.