asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed to open a hospital for mentally handicapped children at Roscrea, County Tipperary; the number to be accommodated there; and what number from South Tipperary can expect to be accommodated.
96.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Mentally Handicapped Children.
95.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the urgent need for a special institution in County Tipperary to cater for the severely handicapped children in the county; and what is the possibility of having one provided immediately so that severely handicapped children may be cared for there rather than in hospitals unsuited for their care, and to help deplete the waiting lists for existing institutions.
Mr. O'Malley
With your permission a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
I have assumed that the two questions relate to residential accommodation for severely mentally handicapped children.
I have already indicated to the House that this problem is receiving the urgent consideration of my Department. Extra accommodation for this purpose is being provided at some of the existing centres and the possibility of diverting to this use, institutions at present or until recently used for other purpose is under continuous examination. In the latter connection North Tipperary County Council has agreed to my recommendation that it should re-open the former sanatorium at Roscrea for the care of severely mentally handicapped children. Proposals recently submitted by the health authority for the staffing and adaptation of the institution are being considered in my Department. The health authority propose, however, to accommodate only 22 children. I had expected this figure to be considerably higher; as a sanatorium there was accommodation for 62 adults. I intend to take this question up with the health authority.
The making of arrangements for the admission of suitable patients to this accommodation from South Tipperary is a matter for negotiation between the two health authorities.