Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 1

Written Answers. - Residential Places.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

72 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the waiting list currently in place in the North-Eastern Health Board area in respect of residential places for persons suffering from mental handicap; the number of people on this list on a county by county basis in this health board area; the proposals, if any, he has in respect of this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9120/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. O'Shea)

The number of people with a mental handicap who are currently awaiting a residential service in the North-Eastern Health Board area is as follows:

County Louth	1
County Monaghan	1
County Cavan	1
County Meath	11
Total	14

In addition there are a total of 19 persons in County Louth, 35 persons in County Monaghan, two persons in County Cavan and 14 persons in County Meath who are already in receipt of a residential service but are inappropriately placed.

In each case the figures refer to where the client is currently resident.

A total of £230,000 in additional revenue funding has been allocated to the North-Eastern Health Board region in 1996 for the provision of services for persons with a mental handicap. It is anticipated that an additional 33 new residential places will be provided in 1996.

In addition, £4 million in capital funding is being provided nationally in 1996 of which £2 million will be used to support general service developments and £2 million to develop and improve the quality of training facilities under the European Regional Development Fund Assisted Programme. Details of the precise amounts allocated to each health board area including the North-Eastern Health Area will be provided later this year. I am satisfied that this additional annual funding has made a significant impact on the number of persons with a mental handicap awaiting residential care. However, I am aware that more needs to be done if we are to meet the needs of those awaiting services. The Government is committed under both the Health Strategy documentShaping a Healthier Future and A Government of Renewal to the continued development of the service as resources become available.

A five year plan for services, based on the new Mental Handicap Database, is currently being prepared and will be available later this year.