Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 2

Written Answers - Mental Handicap Services.

Seán Haughey

Question:

237 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the provisions which give respite breaks to parents of a mentally handicapped child, particularly in the Eastern Health Board region; if more resources will be given to the Eastern Health Board to allow for an improvement in this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24529/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Respite care is a vital part of the support services required by people who care for a family member who has a mental handicap and is provided in a number of ways. In some cases it is provided in a residential setting using dedicated respite beds or residential places vacated by residents returning to their families at weekends. Respite care is also provided by host families through the various "Share a Break" schemes and other similar schemes where individuals are placed with families who offer to assist in caring for persons with a mental handicap. These breaks are generally for weekends or one or two week holidays.

Substantial additional funding was provided in recent years for the development of new services to persons with a mental handicap and includes investment in respite care services. In the past 12 months or so, I have allocated £25 million capital and revenue funding towards the development and enhancement of the mental handicap services. These services will continue to be expanded in line with the needs identified in Assessment of Need for Services to Persons with a Mental Handicap — 1997-2001.

In relation to the Eastern Health Board, I understand from the board that over 770 persons with a mental handicap availed of respite care in 1997.

I am not yet in a position to comment on the overall level of funding which may be available for any particular service in 1999.