Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

295 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of capital allocation for services to persons with a mental handicap in each health board area for 1996 and to date in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18844/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The level of capital allocation to persons with a mental handicap in each health board area for 1996 and 1997 is as follows:

Health Board Area	Capital Allocation 1996	Capital Allocation 1997
Eastern Health Board	2,910,000	1,600,000
Midland Health Board	150,000	200,000
Mid-Western Health Board	290,000	450,000
North-Eastern Health Board	380,000	500,000
North-Western Health Board	140,000	200,000
South-Eastern Health Board	280,000	250,000
Southern Health Board	450,000	600,000**
Western Health Board	250,000	500,000
Total	5,585,000*	4,300,000*

*An additional £2 million was allocated in 1996 to develop and improve the quality of training facilities for persons with a mental handicap under the European Regional Development Fund Assisted Programme, while over £3 million was allocated for this purpose in 1997.

**A further £1.3 million was approved this year for the development of new day care and residential facilities for persons with a mental handicap at Ballydribeen, Killarney. This brings the total amount of capital funding approved in 1997 to £5.6 million.