asked the Minister for Health when he intends to sanction the proposal of Donegal Health Authority to establish a unit in St. Conal's Hospital, Letterkenny, to cater for mentally handicapped children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Unit for Mentally Handicapped Children.
2.
A proposal to set up a residential unit for severely mentally handicapped children in that part of St. Conal's Hospital now used by the Public Health Department of the county council was submitted by the council in October, 1963. In order to release this accommodation at St. Conal's Hospital, a further proposal was submitted to build a public health clinic, with residential accommodation for a medical officer, in the grounds of the County Hospital.
Clarification of a number of points on the proposed unit for the children has been obtained and both proposals are under active consideration. I shall communicate my decision on these matters to the Council as soon as possible.