Tony Gregory
Ceist:420 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health his response to the seven year plan presented by St. Michael's House in 1993; and the assistance, if any, given in support of that plan. [386/94]
Written Answers. - St. Michael's House Plan.
The development of services for persons with a mental handicap in the eastern region is primarily a matter for the Eastern Health Board. The precise services to be put in place in the region are agreed with the Eastern Health Board Central Mental Handicap Planning Committee, on which St. Michael's House is represented, taking account of the guidelines issued by my Department and the funding made available for such developments.
In 1993 £1.750 million was made available to the eastern region for the development of services from which St. Michael's House was allocated £197,000 for the provision of four residential/ respite places, 16 day care places, and home support services for up to 60 people.
In 1994 £3.560 million was made available to the eastern region for the development of services from which St. Michael's House was allocated £664,000 for the provision of 18 residential places, 52 day care places and home support services for approximately 125 people.
While I have noted the contents of the seven year plan presented by St. Michael's House, further developments can only be considered in line with the priorities agreed by the Eastern Health Board Central Mental Handicap Planning Committee and in the light of any additional resources made available in 1995 and future years for this purpose.