It is not my intention, nor would I regard it as appropriate, that my Department should take over full responsibility for the care of the mentally handicapped.
It is of course the case that in so far as mentally handicapped children of schoolgoing age are concerned, my Department have a key role to play in their educational development. This role is exercised primarily through the special education system and involves a high degree of co-ordination with the relevant health authorities.
The report of the Review Group on Mental Handicap Services, commissioned by the Minister for Health, made a number of recommendations for increased co-ordination between the Departments of Health and Education in the provision of services for children with general learning difficulties. It did not recommend that all functions relating to the training and education of people with a mental handicap be taken over by the Minister for Education. The Department of Health, and my Department, have commenced discussions in relation to the educational aspects of provision for mentally-handicapped persons.
In addition, the special education review committee, established by my predecessor, are to report and make recommendations on the educational provision for children with special needs, including those with mental handicap. A specific term of reference of that committee is to report on the linkages which should exist with other Departments and services provided under their aegis.