asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the financial difficulties of St. Mary's, Drumcar, County Louth, and the concern this is causing, particularly to the parents of patients there; if there has been substantial cutback in funding provided by his Department; the reason for this; the plans he has to continue to assist St. Mary's; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Mentally Handicap Services.
100.
My Department's 1986 allocation to the St. John of God Brothers, in respect of their mental handicap services including St. Mary's, Drumcar, is £11,255,000. The appointment of the overall allocation to each of the Order's mental handicap centres is a matter for the provincial administration. I am aware that the administration has expressed concern regarding its overall allocation for this year and officers of my Department have met with representatives of the Order to discuss their situation. As a result of these discussions, I have made some additional funds available which will help to ease the Order's financial difficulties.
In 1984, despite the restrictions imposed upon the health services, I was able to assist St. Mary's, Drumcar through the approval of an additional 14 staff. In July 1985 I approved the recruitment of a further 20 staff to facilitate the commissioning of new services in the centre.
It is my intention to continue to provide whatever assistance the present difficult financial circumstances will allow to the St. John of God Brothers mental handicap services.
101.
asked the Minister for Health if his Department will provide funds for a residential home for adult handicapped men and women (details supplied) in County Galway.
The question of providing resources for the setting up of this home is a matter, in the first instance, for the Western Health Board. A number of factors will influence their 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.