asked the Minister for Health the number of mentally handicapped persons in residential care in the Eastern Health Board region last year; the number on the waiting list; and when facilities will be provided to clear the waiting list.
3.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mentally Handicapped Persons.
2.
asked the Minister for Health if he will accelerate funding via the Eastern Health Board for the Loughlinstown project in respect of residential care for mentally handicapped persons.
4.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the large number of mentally handicapped children awaiting residential accommodation from the Eastern Health Board; and when action will be taken to provide the necessary accommodation.
5.
(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there are approximately 300 mentally handicapped children and adults on the waiting list for residential care in the Eastern Health Board area; if he is further aware that this constitutes a phenomenal pressure on the families concerned; if he has any proposals to remedy the position by providing the required residential care to relieve their difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 to 5 inclusive, together.
On 31 December 1980 there were 2,419 persons in special residential centres for the mentally handicapped in the Eastern Health Board area. Of these 1,437 were from the Eastern Health Board area. I should say in this regard that on 31 December 1980, there were 199 mentally handicapped persons from the Eastern Health Board in special residential centres outside the board's area. There were 271 persons from the board's area on the waiting list for residential care on 31 December 1980.
Major building works in the mental handicap field within the Eastern Health Board area are in progress at Cheeverstown House, Templeogue, St. Michael's House, Ballymum, Stewart's Hospital, Palmerstown and at Ballyboden. These projects taken together with the Loughlinstown complex upon which I will be allowing planning to proceed this year will have the effect of providing 500 additional residential places.
I have two specific questions for the Minister in relation to the Loughlinstown project and also St. Michael's House, Ballymun. With regard to Loughlinstown, is the Minister in a position to give more detailed information about when he will allow planning to proceed and also why he has not allowed it to proceed already? In relation to St. Michael's House, Ballymun, will he state why the three chalets of the five being constructed, and which are virtually ready for use, have not yet been brought into use?
With regard to the Deputy's second question, they are due to be ready in June this year and will come into operation at that time. With regard to Loughlinstown, I gave authority for proceeding with the planning development at a recent meeting of the health board.
Will the Minister state if the application for planning permission has been lodged by the authority? If not, will he bring some pressure to bear to ensure that the application is submitted without any further delay?
I will pursue that point. I did not think any problem was envisaged there. The main problem was with regard to the funds to proceed with the major planning of the complex, for which I have given approval.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Will the Minister accept that the number of people, particularly young people, on the waiting list is at an unacceptably high level? The number of inpatients in mental institutions has been reducing considerably. Will the Minister state why it was not possible to convert these existing buildings into suitable accommodation? There appears to be a particular problem with young people who are moved from an institution for children when they reach 16 or 17 years. These young people are sent home very often but this is not a suitable method of dealing with them and it creates a real problem for families.
I accept that this area is a priority area and that there is need to proceed with urgency. Despite the difficult economic situation, this year an additional £2 million has been provided in the capital allocation. We are providing a total of £8 million for work in this area as against £6 million last year. The programme which we have in the Eastern Health Board area will provide an additional 500 places. The Deputy will appreciate that this is being treated as a matter of considerable urgency. In relation to the other question raised by the Deputy of using buildings that are vacated in the existing psychiatric centres, I will make the following comment. In some instances a substantial campus is available and facilities can be provided. However, in many cases the buildings that become available are very old and are not suitable. A number of developments currently taking place are based on the village concept. I mention the development at Cheeverstown House which is a very exciting and interesting concept.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am sure it is very exciting and interesting but appears to be a long-term project. Is the Minister in a position to do something in the short-term to facilitate families who are under fierce pressure? Will he state how many extra beds have been provided in the past four years?
A considerable number has been provided. I do not have the figure to hand and perhaps the Deputy will put down a separate question on the matter.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am sure if the figure was considerable the Minister would be able to tell the House.
There was a period during which very little was done but I do not want to refer to that. This Government have a deep commitment in this area.
(Cavan-Monaghan): The Minister can go back as far as he wishes. We have had two whizz-kids in the Department in the past four years but they have done nothing.
The Deputy should ask the associatons who are dealing with this matter about the position. They recognise the work that has been done.
I am calling Question No. 6.