Louis J. Belton
Ceist:106 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Health the reason he did not seek to include questions on the extent of handicap in the population in the recent census; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Census Information.
The possibility of including a question on disability or handicap in the census of population has been considered on a few occasions in recent years. The conclusion was that the census could not provide the type of information which would be needed to assess reliably the extent and nature of disability in the community. It was considered best that the health services should compile and keep up to date registers of persons with disabilities. These registers would provide overall quantitative and qualitative information as well as individual particulars for use by those administering services — something that could never be done as part of a census of population.
At present mental handicap registers are being computerised in several health board areas to provide a firm basis for future planning of services. Consideration is being given by the National Rehabilitation Board to the establishment of a national database on disability.