asked the Minister for Health whether his reference to Protection of Funding for Mental Handicap Agencies in an address which he made to the National Association of Mentally Handicapped of Ireland on 8 May 1987 means that funding of all mental handicap agencies will be continued during 1987, at 1986 levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Agencies Funding.
211.
The 1987 allocation to mental handicap agencies funded directly by my Department is just over £64 million which is 5.2 per cent more than the approved outturn for 1986. The position in respect of mental handicap agencies funded by the health boards is that health boards were asked to protect these services as far as possible and to ensure the maintenance of expenditure at 1986 approved levels in real terms.
212.
asked the Minister for Health when voluntary mental handicap agencies will be notified of the funding allocation for 1987.
The 1987 allocations to mental handicap agencies funded directly by my Department ware notified to them in April. The position of mental handicap agencies funded by the health boards varies from board to board. Many of the mental handicap organisations funded on a budget basis have been made aware of their allocation. It is envisaged that the remainder will be notified before the end of June.