Mental Health Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004

Tuesday, 30 November 2004

Questions (127)

Jerry Cowley

Question:

170 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there are supports available from her Department towards assisting persons suffering ongoing mental health problems and mild learning difficulties to enable them to live independently in a community; if so, the organisations through which this support is channelled; the way in which it can be effectively accessed by relevant organisations for their clients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30967/04]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O’Malley)

A range of support services are provided by health boards through mental health services and specialist intellectual disability services to enable people with mental health problems and a mild intellectual disability to live independently in the community. The 2004 report from the national intellectual disability database indicates that 558 people with a mild intellectual disability are living semi-independently or independently in the community.

Detailed information on the organisations-services providing such supports is not routinely held in my Department. If the Deputy's question refers to a specific individual or group of individuals, he should direct such a query to the chief executive officer of the health board concerned.