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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

666 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people with a mental handicap in each health board area who are inappropriately placed in psychiatric hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1776/01]

Information from the National Intellectual Disability Database indicates that in April 1999, 854 persons with an intellectual disability were resident in psychiatric hospitals. For 307 individuals their current day and residential programmes within the psychiatric services are deemed to be appropriate and they have no identified service needs in the period 2000-2004. Of the remaining 547 people who require services, 54 will continue to reside within the psychiatric hospital setting, but require appropriate day services in the period 2000-2004. The balance of 493 persons need to transfer to the intellectual disability services, with the majority – 436 people – requiring both residential and day placements. A breakdown of the number by health board area is attached. Similar information in relation to April 2000 is currently being validated and will be available later this year.

My Department is currently engaged in a major capital programme which has, as one of its main objectives, the transfer of those currently accommodated in psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements to more suitable care settings. There are a wide number of developments at varying stages of either planning or construction around the country. Over 100 persons will be moving into new purpose built accommodation this year, with similar facilities for around a further 100 coming on stream by the end of 2002. Plans for the provision of further alternative accommodation, including community group homes and purpose built facilities, for this group are the subject of discussions with the relevant health boards. In addition, to the provision of alternative facilities, a programme of refurbishment of existing facilities which will continue to be used in the short to medium term is also under way.
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