asked the Minister for Health if any estimate has been made of the numbers of mildly, moderately and severely mentally handicapped people in Ireland in (a) the under 16 age group and (b) the over 16 age group; if so, if he will indicate (i) the approximate numbers in each case and (ii) the approximate proportion of the total in each case who are provided with residential and non-residential accommodation and treatment; if he is satisfied that due emphasis is given to the provision of residential and non-residential accommodation and treatment for the adult mentally handicapped; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mentally Handicapped.
11.
Statistics showing the exact number of mentally handicapped persons are not available in this country, or, indeed, any other country. The Commission of Inquiry on Mental Handicap which reported in 1965 examined the question of statistics and recommended practical targets for the development of services by estimating the numbers likely to be in need of and presenting for services. As the available information in reply to the Deputy's question is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with your permission, a Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.
With regard to residential care, I have indicated to the House on several occasions that the schemes which are in progress or in planning for the provision of additional places at centres operated by voluntary bodies will meet in full the recommendations of the commission in regard to residential places for severely and moderately handicapped children and adults. Priority is being given to places for the severely and moderately handicapped. As regards the mildly handicapped, I am examining the extent to which they can be catered for on a day basis before deciding on increasing the residential accommodation for this class. In addition to those in residence at the special centres there are approximately 3,000 mentally handicapped adults maintained at psychiatric hospitals. I regard these hospitals as suitable centres for the care of a proportion of the adult mentally handicapped.
I am satisfied that the services for the mentally handicapped are being developed as rapidly as possible. I am keeping in close touch with all the organisations providing residential and assessment services and I have also established a special consultative council on mental handicap to advise me on specific matters relating to the services.
Following is the statement:
1. Numbers recommended by Commission for Services.
|
Children under 16 years of age |
Adults |
|||
|
Mild Handicap |
Moderate Handicap |
Severe Handicap |
||
|
5,000 |
1,400 |
1,450 |
9,300 |
2. Numbers recommended by Commission for Residential Services at special centres.
|
Children under 16 years of age |
Adults |
|||
|
Mild Handicap |
Moderate Handicap |
Severe Handicap |
||
|
1,300 |
950 |
1,000 |
2,500 |
|
|
Percentage at present in residential care |
69.1% |
82.2% |
81.5% |
78.6%* |
* In addition about 3,000 adults are being cared for in mental hospitals.
3. Numbers recommended for non-residential care.
|
Children under 16 years of age |
Adults |
|||
|
Mild Handicap |
Moderate Handicap |
Severe Handicap |
||
|
3,700 |
450 |
450 |
4,300 |
|
|
Percentage at present receiving nonresidential services |
about 60% |
target reached |
51.3% |
† |
† The exact percentage of adults receiving services of various kinds in the community is not available.
Am I correct in saying that there appears to be a slightly slower rate of provision of residential accommodation for the adult mentally handicapped? As a result, such people have had to be kept on in institutions intended for younger people so that inevitably there has been clogging and a kind of bottleneck developing with regard to the provision of residential accommodation.
There has been a certain clogging but the Deputy should read the table referred to in my answer. If he wants to ask any further questions he may do so.