Vol. 397 No. 7
90 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Health the number of residential schools in the country for handicapped children between 12 and 18 years of age; the numbers in these schools; the numbers of applicants for these places; and if he will make a statment on the matter.
The provision of schools for children with handicaps is primarily a matter for the Minister for Education. Twenty-three of these schools are associated with residential facilities for children from five years upwards with a mental, physical or sensory handicap. Out of the total of almost 2,500 children who attend these schools, 1,050 are accommodated in the residential centres. In addition, there are almost 200 children living in group homes in the community who also attend special schools or classes.
