Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 7

Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Services.

Ivor Callely

Question:

34 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health his understanding of the inadequate level of services for people with a mental handicap in view of the fact that mentally handicapped people have been denied a service by statutory authorities; the progress, if any, which can be made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4448/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): While I am satisfied that the additional funding of £56.8 million, which was invested in the services for persons with a mental handicap in the period 1990 to 1996, 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.

Information on the number of persons with a mental handicap in receipt of services or awaiting placement in either residential or day services is currently being compiled from the national intellectual disability database as part of the preparation of the assessment of need for the development of services to persons with a mental handicap.

Additional funding amounting to £12 million has been made available for the further development in 1997 of services to persons with a mental handicap. A sum of £2 million has been used to meet identified needs in existing services. The remaining £10 million, which was announced in the budget, is being used to provide new services in 1997.

Details of the precise services to be put in place in each health board region will be agreed by the regional mental handicap co-ordinating committees in line with the priority needs which have been identified for each region.