Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Handicapped Students' Accommodation.

Liam Fitzgerald

Ceist:

432 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 12 eighteen year old handicapped students who were to be transferred from St. Michael's House, Prussia Street, Dublin, to sheltered facilities in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, have been left without accommodation due to a shortfall of £30,000; if his attention has been further drawn to the difficulties involving emotional and mental strain for some of the parents involved; and if he will make good this shortfall immediately. [515/94]

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Officials from my Department recently met representatives of the parents of the students concerned to discuss with them the situation regarding the provision of day services. The students concerned have completed Level 1 of the ESF funded training course. The facility in Mountjoy Square provides accommodation for Level II for which the students are not eligible.

A total of £3.560 million was made available to the eastern region in 1944 for the development of day services for persons with a mental handicap. From this St. Michael's House has been allocated £644,000 for the provision of 18 residential places, 52 day care places and home support services for approximately 125 people.

Officials from my Department are currently discussing with both St. Michael's House and the Eastern Health Board the needs of the above mentioned clients and how those needs can best be met. I fully appreciate the concern of the parents and I will ensure that they are kept fully informed of all developments.