Seán Barrett
Ceist:25 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated extra current national requirement for (a) residential places, (b) day care places for the physically handicapped; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Caring for Physically Handicapped.
There are about 250 residential places and some 16 day care centres which cater exclusively for the physically disabled. In addition people with physical disabilities avail of other residential and day care centres, which provide services for persons with a wide range of disabilities.
As part of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, health boards will be asked to assess the level of need for additional residential and day care places for people with physical disabilities and to draw up a seven year development programme to meet these needs.
I might add that planning is already proceeding on the development of additional residential accommodation in Monkstown, County Dublin, Sligo and Letterkenny. Twenty additional places will be provided in Monkstown, ten in Sligo and ten in Donegal. Construction of the Monkstown home is due to commence shortly and planning is proceeding satisfactorily on the Sligo and Donegal homes.