Dick Spring
Ceist:16 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to introduce comprehensive family back-up services in all cases where a child is born severely handicapped; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Services/Facilities for Handicapped.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:30 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the range of pre-school services available for mentally handicapped children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 30 together.
The report of the review group on mental handicap services will be presented to me shortly. The provision of adequate support to families caring for children with mental handicap, including the provision of pre-school services, is a matter on which the review group makes recommendations. The detailed planning of such services should form part of the development plans currently being prepared by regional mental handicap committees.
Andrew Boylan
Ceist:17 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are no transport facilities available for mentally handicapped people who travel to Clogher House Training Centre, County Monaghan from Counties Cavan and Monaghan; the reason for this inadequate service; the negotiations, if any, which he has had or is about to have with his departmental officials in order to provide some form of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Transport to Clogher House Training Centre is available for persons from North County Monaghan and also from the Castleblayney and Ballybay areas. As a result of additional moneys made available from this year's budget, the health board are extending the transport service to the Clones area. The needs of those persons on the immediate waiting list for the centre will be met following this extension of the service.