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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 12 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 5

Written Answers. - Mental Handicap Services.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

137 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to establish the right to a proper and complete service in law for all mentally handicapped children as demanded by parents' groups; his position in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12467/99]

This Government is committed to the provision of appropriate health and personal social services for all children and adults with an intellectual disability. Information on the current and future service requirements of children with an intellectual disability is incorporated in the document "Services to Persons with an Intellectual Disability – An Assessment of Need 1997 – 2001". Since my appointment as Minister for Health and Children, and despite the many competing demands which are made on the resources available to my Department, I have consistently identified as one of my priorities the provision of the additional residential, respite and day services for both children and adults with intellectual disabilities outlined in that document.

This year I was pleased to be in a position to provide additional revenue funding of £12 million, with a full year cost of £18 million in 2000, to continue the process of meeting these needs. This funding will provide approximately 320 new residential places; 80 new respite places and 200 new day places. It will also provide additional health related support services for children with autism, continue the programme to transfer persons with an intellectual disability from inappropriate placements and provide additional specialist and other support services. At least £10 million capital funding will also be made available this year from the national capital programme to support these new developments.

I have no plans to enact any legislation in this area. The question of the possible provision of legislation on the rights of persons with disabilities to services would be a matter in the first instance for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

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