asked the Minister for Health the number of handicapped persons awaiting places in (a) residential centres and (b) workshops; and the number of new places that will become available through (i) direct action by the Government and (ii) voluntary agencies in the course of the national plan.
Written Answers. - Placement of Handicapped Persons.
350.
Information on the number of handicapped persons awaiting places in (a) residential care and (b) workshops is not readily available and its collection would take a great deal of time. I would suggest that the Deputy seek the information directly from the health boards.
The main thrust of the national plan in relation to health services for the handicapped is on the development of community services, thus reducing the need for residential care.
There will however be some development in the provision of residential care facilities by the Government, the extent and precise nature of which has not yet been worked out. I am not in a position to say at this time what facilities, if any, will be provided by the voluntary agencies.