asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the establishment of a centralised organisation to investigate what further steps can be taken to ensure that every help will be given to the training and general well-being of physically or mentally handicapped children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Handicapped Children.
26.
The National Rehabilitation Board which deals mainly with physically handicapped and coordinates the work of a large number of bodies has been functioning effectively since 1957.
The development of services for the mentally handicapped in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry on Mental Handicap has been actively pursued in my Department. Many of the commission's recommendations have already been implemented and I have approved of proposals for the provision of some 1,500 additional places at the special residential centres. When this programme is completed the targets set by the commission for the provision of accommodation at the special centres for severely and moderately handicapped children and adults will be met. My Department is considering the further steps which may be necessary to co-ordinate the services provided by the various voluntary bodies and the form of a co-ordinating body which may be required for the mentally handicapped and other related services for disabled persons.
Question No. 27 postponed.