asked the Minister for Health if he accepts the findings of a report (details supplied) issued by the National Association of the Mentally Handicapped of Ireland; and if he has any plans to reverse the slowdown and decline in the development of services identified in the report.
Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Services.
231.
I have been aware for some years that the mental handicap services are not fully developed in the country but since I came into office it has been, and will continue to be, an integral part of my policy that services for groups such as the mentally handicapped will be supported and developed to the maximum extent possible within the financial constraints operating. This is evidenced by the fact that the financial provision for services for the mentally handicapped has been protected since 1987, despite the reduction which has taken place in the overall Health Vote, and by the developments which have taken place in the services since that date.
I am, at the moment, in the process of arranging a meeting with the national association to discuss with them the findings in the report.