The Western Health Board region was allocated funds to provide 15 residential places, three respite care places, 15 day care places and home support services for up to 50 families from the additional funds made available this year for the development of services for people with mental handicap.
The services to be provided have been agreed by the Western regional mental handicap co-ordinating committee, on which the Brothers of Charity are represented, and approved by my Department. The health board and voluntary agencies in the region are in the process of putting these additional services in place.
I would like to inform the Deputy that all of the additional funds made available this year have been allocated. Further developments in the region will be considered in line with the priorities agreed by the Western regional mental handicap co-ordinating committee in the light of any additional resources made available in 1993 and future years for this purpose.