Vol. 497 No. 4
117 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of respite beds available to persons with a metal handicap in Dublin 6, 7 and 8 in the Eastern Health Board; the number of additional respite beds provided in the past 12 months; and if there has been any assessment of the shortfall in respite beds in these areas. [25246/98]
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to respite services in the Eastern Health Board region is not readily available to my Department. I have asked the Eastern Health Board to compile this information and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Substantial additional funding was provided in recent years for the development of new services to persons with a mental handicap, including an enhanced level of respite care services. Since my appointment as Minister for Health and Children, I have allocated £25 million capital and revenue funding for the development of the 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.
