Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 3

Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Training Units.

Pat Cox

Question:

58 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Education if she, or her officials, have had discussions with the Departments of Health and Equality and Law Reform to set up training units as recommended by the Review Group on Mental Handicap Services 1990.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department is in contact with the Department of Health on a range of issues relating to services for the mentally handicapped.

As part of this process, the question of training units for handicapped people and the recommendations of the 1990 Review Group in this regard, have been discussed.

At present, there are 15 such units in operation and these together with associated work-shop facilities are operated under the health boards in conjunction with the voluntary agencies.

My Department's input into this area is related to the provision of such teaching hours as may be required to meet the needs of those attending the units.

It is a matter for the health authorities, through the Department of Health, to decide where further such facilities are required and to initiate proposals in this regard. Any such proposals received by my Department will be acted upon in a speedy and sympathetic manner.

Developments in relation to this area to date have not been such as to require discussion between my Department and the Department of Equality and Law Reform.