asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a long waiting list for residential and day-care services for the mentally handicapped in the Dublin region; the extra places he hopes to provide to cope with this; and if he will make a statement on his plans for the future of these services.
Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Services.
19.
While mental handicap services have developed significantly in recent years, I am aware that the present level of service falls short of meeting all requirements, especially for adults. The Eastern Health Board has carried out a review of mental handicap services in their area to identify any shortfall in service provision and to plan the future development of a fully comprehensive service. It has been estimated by the health board that the full implementation of their proposals will have extra revenue implications which may be in the region of £5 million a year and capital implications of about £8 million. My Department is currently examining the Eastern Health Board's proposals.
In addition my Department is carrying out a review of mental handicap services to set down guidelines for the development of the service. This review is being carried out largely by way of consultation with agencies and persons involved in the provision of mental handicap services. It is hoped that the review will be completed by the end of this year.
The provision of additional places will depend both on the established need for such places and on the resources which can be made available for the further development of the mental handicap service.