asked the Minister for Health how many mentally and physically handicapped children are at present on waiting lists for institutional treatment in Sligo-Leitrim; how long the children have been on those waiting lists; and when he expects that they will gain admission for treatment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Handicapped Children.
160.
Mr. O'Malley
There are three physically handicapped children from Sligo-Leitrim on the health authorities' waiting lists for placement in special residential centres, all of whom are waiting less than twelve months. The number of mentally handicapped children awaiting placement is 26 of whom nine are waiting less than twelve months; nine are waiting from one to two years; four are waiting two to three years; three are waiting four to five years; and one is waiting over five years.
As to the last part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question on 1st instant in regard to County Mayo.
161.
asked the Minister for Health the number of mentally and physically handicapped children at present on waiting lists for institutional treatment in County Carlow; how long the children have been on these waiting lists; and when he expects that they will gain admission to institutions for treatment.
Mr. O'Malley
There are no physically handicapped children from Carlow on the health authority's waiting list for placement in special residential centres. The number of mentally handicapped children awaiting placement is 15, of whom four are waiting less than twelve months; eight are waiting from one to two years; one is waiting two to three years; one is waiting three to four years and one is waiting over five years.
As to the last part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question on 1st instant in regard to County Mayo.
Will the Minister undertake to have arrangements made so that these children on the waiting lists for so long may gain admission to some of these institutions in the near future?
Mr. O'Malley
As the Deputy will appreciate, this is a very serious national problem. Every county has the same complaint. All I can say is that I shall endeavour to do the best I can in the quickest possible time.