Vol. 471 No. 2
74 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the current provision of appropriate care for people with a mental handicap in the Eastern Health Board catchment area; the number of people currently waiting to avail of appropriate services; and the timescale for such services to be put in place. [20226/96]
The provision of services to persons with a mental handicap in the eastern region is a matter in the first instance for the Eastern Health Board.
Additional revenue funding of £1.4 million was made available to the Eastern Health Board in 1996 which has enabled the board to put in place 21 new residential/respite places, 112 new day care places and to further enhance the level of home support services available in the region.
Capital funding of £0.91 million was made available to the eastern region to support the additional services which were put in place this year. This included a further £250,00 to enable the board to continue the ongoing maintenance and refurbishment programme in St. Joseph's Services for persons with a mental handicap at St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane. In addition to this capital funding, £2 million is being made available to the board over a two year period to provide additional residential facilities on the southside of the city.
While I am satisfied that the substantial annual injection of funds over the past number of years has made a substantial impact, I am aware that more needs to be done if the needs of those awaiting services are to be met. The Government is committed to the continued development of the services, as resources become available. This commitment is outlined in both A Government of Renewal and the Health Strategy "Shaping a Healthier Future".
The National Intellectual Disability Database is providing my Department, the health boards and the voluntary mental handicap agencies with information on both the current and future needs of persons with a mental handicap over a five year period. I would hope to continue the development of further services for persons with a mental handicap based on the needs identified by the database. My priority is to ensure that provision can be made to meet the needs of those who are currently without a service.
