asked the Minister for Health the number of places currently available at the sheltered workshop in Navan, County Meath, for handicapped children; whether there will be any need to extend this facility over the next 18 months in the light of current enrolments; the number on the waiting list for a place in the facility; and his plans for the development of this facility.
Written Answers. - Navan (Meath) Sheltered Workshop.
210.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Meath Sheltered Workshop. Fortytwo people attend this workshop on a full time basis, a further 20 people attend on a part time basis (i.e. ten people on alternate weeks).
There are at present nine people on the waiting list for admission.
The North Eastern Health Board has at this time no plans to extend this facility. The provision of additional workshop places in the North Eastern Health Board region is dependent on the resources available for the development of mental handicap services and the competing priorities for those funds.