Vol. 502 No. 2
85 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration, if any, he has given to the case made to him regarding the crisis in the provision of appropriate service for people with learning disabilities in the south-east Dublin and east Wicklow region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7539/99]
Since my appointment as Minister for Health and Children, and despite the many competing demands made on the resources available to my Department, I have consistently identified as one of my priorities the provision of the additional residential, respite and day services outlined in the document Services to Persons with a Mental Handicap – An Assessment of Need 1999 – 2001. This year I was pleased to be in a position to provide additional funding of £12 million, with a full year cost of £18 million in 2000, for the further development of new services in line with the needs identified in the Assessment of Need. At least £10 million capital funding from the national capital programme will also be allocated to support the development of these new services.
Of this additional funding, £3.635 million has been allocated to the Eastern Health Board, with a full year cost of £4.61 million in 2000. Details of the precise services to be put in place in the Eastern Region from this additional funding, including services in south-east Dublin and east Wicklow, and the individuals who will benefit from these services are agreed by the central mental handicap planning committee.
As a result of this process, I understand services in the south Dublin and Wicklow area are to receive additional funding of £585,000 in respect of 21 new residential/respite places and an initial allocation of £310,000 in respect of 31 day places. Further discussions are taking place to finalise the overall position regarding day services in 1999. The agencies who will benefit from this funding include St. John of God Services, Cheeverstown House, Stewart's Hospital, Peamount Hospital and Sunbeam House.
A sum of £1 million has also been set aside by the Eastern Health Board for the management of emergency cases which will arise during the year. This will give the board the flexibility to deal with crisis situations as the need arises.
