asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of residential places available for mentally handicapped persons; the exact number of places available; the age groups for which they are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Services.
215.
The total number of residential places available for persons with a mental handicap, including places in hostels and in mental hospitals, is 7,506; 1,059 of these places are for persons under 15 years of age; 6,447 are occupied by persons aged 15 years or over.
I am aware that there is a demand for residential places for a number of mentally handicapped persons. On the other hand, these are persons occupying residential places who are capable of community living.
My Department is currently undertaking a review of mental handicap services to identify the present shortfalls in service provision and to draw up guidelines for the future development of mental handicap services.
The review is being undertaken largely by way of consultation with the persons and organisations involved in the provision of mental handicap services. I hope that the review will be completed by the end of the year.