Additional funding for the development of services in the western regions for people with mental handicap has been made available in 1993. Proposals have been received in my Department from the regional mental handicap co-ordinating committee concerning the allocation of this funding which are currently being considered. These proposals do not include the opening of further residential places at Áras Attracta.
The opening of further residential places at Áras Attracta will depend on the level of additional funding available to develop services in the Western Health Board area and the priorities of the mental handicap co-ordinating committee in the region for the development of services for people with a mental handicap.