Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 1997

Vol. 475 No. 8

Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Services.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

95 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Health the improvements, if any, which are proposed for the Ballinasloe area, County Galway, in respect of mentally handicapped services in view of the fact that he met the Ballinasloe parents group in April 1996; whether extra funding will be provided in 1997; whether an adult day centre, respite care facilities and a residential group home will be included in these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6160/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The provision of services to persons with a mental handicap in the Ballinasloe area, County Galway is a matter in the first instance for the Western Health Board.

As the Deputy is aware, additional funding of £12 million has been provided in 1997 for services to persons with a mental handicap; £2 million is being used to meet identified needs in existing services. The remaining £10 million is being used to put in place new services, including additional residential, respite and day care places.

Details of the precise services to be put in place in each health board region and the individuals who will benefit from these services will be agreed by the regional mental handicap co-ordinating committees in line with the priority needs which have been identified for each region. Details of the funding which is to be made available to each health board region for new services in 1997 will shortly be notified to the boards.