asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the shortage of hospital and school accommodation for mentally retarded children; and that children put on a waiting list by St. John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, in 1962 are only now being given accommodation; and if there are any plans for improving this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Accommodation for Mentally Retarded Children.
46.
I am keenly aware of the shortage of accommodation for mentally handicapped children and a considerable quantity of residential accommodation is in the course of being provided. The provision of special school accommodation is a matter for the Minister for Education.
Since 1947, the provision of special accommodation for the mentally handicapped has been more than trebled. At the end of 1964, there were 3,111 places as compared with 1,030 at the end of 1947. During 1965 a further 200 places were provided; in the present year 260 additional places will become available and approval has been given for the provision of an extra 200 places. Furthermore, the making available of accommodation at present being used for other purposes is being considered and will, I am sure, result in further alleviation of the present position. It will be appreciated that suitably qualified staff for dealing with these children is an important consideration and it is not just a matter of providing institutional accommodation.