asked the Minister for Health if he has received a proposal from an association (details supplied) in County Laois for the setting up of a long term project which would be a full time residential hostel for approximately six to seven adults all of whom are aged over 16 years; if he is aware that the association concerned have received an assurance that all of the people who will be admitted to this residential hostel will be screened for admission and that voluntary help would also be provided; if he is aware that there is a tremendous amount of goodwill in the area for this type of proposal; and the assistance, if any, he is in a position to give for the setting up of this residential hostel.
Written Answers. - Residental Hostel.
105.
The proposal for the provision of a hostel facility has been raised by the association with the Midland Health Board. Discussions are continuing in order to identify and quantify the extent of the need for the facility. The question of providing resources for the setting up of the hostel will be considered by the health board in the first instance. A number of factors will have a bearing on the outcome of this consideration. These include the need for the service and the degree of priority to be attached to it, having regard to the many other demands for available resources.