Rory O'Hanlon
Question:70 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding for Castleblayney Care Association, County Monaghan, for the provision of a group home. [10548/97]
Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Services.
Responsibility for the provision of services to persons with a mental handicap in County Monaghan is a matter in the first instance for the North-Eastern Health Board. I understand that the board has worked closely with the association in the development of this project, providing support in identifying the need for services and in drafting architectural plans. Once-off funding of £15,000 was also made available by the board in 1996 for this project. I also understand from the board that the provision of this group home has been identified as one of the priority developments.
Additional funding of £650,000 has been allocated to the North-Eastern Health Board for the provision of additional residential and day care places. Details of the precise services to be put in place by the North-Eastern Health Board region will be agreed by the Regional Mental Handicap Co-ordinating Committee in line with the priority needs which have been identified for the region and submitted to my Department in the next few weeks.