asked the Minister for Education the number of school places for the mentally handicapped on the 1st September in the years 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Places for Handicapped.
34.
I regret that this information is not available in the form requested by the Deputy.
However, the number of mildly and moderately mentally handicapped children enrolled in special schools and classes on 30th June of each of the years in question was as follows: 1969, 3,364; 1970, 3,682; 1971, 4,085; 1972, 4,330; 1973, 4,740; 1974, 5,450; 1975, 5,725 (estimated).
Has the Parliamentary Secretary any information about those severely handicapped?
The severely handicapped are the sole responsibility of the Department of Health and, therefore, I do not have any information. If the Deputy addresses a question to the Minister for Health I am sure he will get the information.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary any figures for any other grade of mildly handicapped?
The figures given are for mildly and moderately combined. If the Deputy wishes a breakdown into the two categories I can give him those figures.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary any information in relation to the increased number? Is it that parents are now accepting the position?
I think it is a combination of improved provision where schools are concerned and increased acceptance by parents of the need to have special care for these children.