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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 8

Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Services.

Ray Burke

Question:

66 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 2,950 mentally handicapped persons have no service, including 1,500 persons who have no day service and 1,450 persons who are waiting for residential services; and the plans, if any, he has to meet this urgent need which is a basic human right. [22332/96]

While I am satisfied that the annual injection of funds into services to persons with a mental handicap in recent years has made a substantial impact, I am aware that more needs to be done if the needs of those awaiting services are to be met. The Government is committed to the continued development of the services, as resources become available. This commitment is outlined in both A Government of Renewal and the Health Strategy “Shaping a Healthier Future”.

Additional funding of £56.8 million was invested in the services for persons with a mental handicap in the period 1990-96 which has enabled health boards and voluntary organisations to put in place over 1,000 additional residential places and 2,300 day care places.

The National Intellectual Disability Database is now providing my Department, the health boards and the voluntary mental handicap agencies with information on both the current and future needs of persons with a mental handicap over a five year period.

I would hope to continue the development of further services for persons with a mental handicap based on the needs identified by the database. My priority is to ensure that provision can be made to meet the needs of those who are currently without a service.

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