Liz McManus
Ceist:179 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health the number of children reaching 18 years who have special needs; and if he will provide day care centres and workshops for these children.
Written Answers. - Services for Mentally Handicapped.
The term "special needs" to which the Deputy refers in her question is a broad term. However, I am assuming that the question relates to young people with mental handicap and, in particular, those with a moderate, severe or profound mental handicap.
While exact figures are not available, it is estimated that there may be in the region of up to 300 persons who fall within the category mentioned by the Deputy in 1993. Additional facilities, which include a mix of day activation and workshop places, will be required in 1993 to cater for their needs.
In 1992, 417 extra day places were provided for people with mental handicap from the additional funding which was made available for the development of services.
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to the provision of additional funding to speed up implementation of the report of the Review Group on Mental Handicap Services —"Needs and Abilities".
However, at present I am not in a position to give details of developments which might be put in place in 1993 as the level of funding which may be made available for such developments will not be decided until budget time.