Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 6

Written Answers. - Services for Persons with a Disability.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

41 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the level and adequacy of existing services for persons with a disability, particularly persons with a mental handicap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11933/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. O'Shea)

There have been significant developments in recent years in the level of services available to persons with a disability. With reference to services to persons with a mental handicap, additional funding of £44.58 million was invested in the development of the services in the period 1990 to 1995 which has enabled the health boards to put in place over 1,000 additional residential places and 2,100 day care places. A further £12 million has been provided in 1996 to continue this ongoing development programme.

I am satisfied that this additional funding has made a significant impact on the number of persons with a mental handicap awaiting services. However, I am aware that more needs to be done. The Government is committed under the health strategy document Shaping a Healthier Future and the programmeA Government of Renewal to the continued development of the services as resources become available. That commitment is reflected in my decision, with my colleague the Minister, Deputy Noonan, to prepare a five year development plan to meet the needs identified by the new national mental handicap database. I expect this plan to be ready later this year. This develop plan will play an important role in the Estimates discussions later this year with a view to having substantial additional funding made available in 1997 and future years for the continued development of services to persons with a mental handicap.

Since 1993, additional funding totalling £6 million has been provided for the development of services for people with physical and sensory disabilities. A review group was established to examine the health and personal social services for people with physical and sensory disabilities in 1992. Its report, which is due to be published shortly, will provide a blueprint for the further development of services for people with disabilities into the next decade.