I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 8 together.
In common with other health boards, the Western Health Board have been requested to prepare a multi-annual plan to meet the future requirements of the mental handicap service in a planned co-ordinated way. There are at present 1,020 persons in County Mayo on the register for the mentally handicapped. All these persons who require services are getting a service. The recent budget allocation for mental handicap has provided for an additional 45 residential/day places in County Mayo.
Because of the size and complexity of the Áras Attracta Centre, and the need for regard to other priorities in mental handicap provision, the development of the centre has had to proceed on a phased basis. At the moment there are 39 residents in the centre and this will increase to a minimum of 54 by May with a staff complement of 54. The future phased opening of the remaining residential facilities will form part of the co-ordinated multi-annual plan mentioned above. The centre was designed to provide accommodation ultimately for 186 residents. The staff complement required to cater for this number of residents will be a matter for decision in the light of the needs of persons to be catered for.