Vol. 472 No. 1
138 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for Health the measures, if any, he intends to take to ensure that day and residential care is made available for persons affected with a mental handicap; and the money spent in this area by his Department and by agencies under the aegis of his Department. [22561/96]
Estimated overall expenditure on services to persons with a mental handicap has increased from £162 million in 1990 to over £250 million in 1995.
While I am satisfied that this annual injection of funds over a number of 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”.
The new National Intellectual Disability Database is providing my Department, the health boards and 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 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.
