asked the Minister for Health what is the position in regard to staff and accommodation for mentally handicapped children; if it has improved in recent months; when it is estimated that further accommodation may be available for the several hundreds awaiting admissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mentally Handicapped Children.
187.
The total number of places in the residential institutions for the mentally handicapped at the end of December last was 3,606. This represents an increase of about 200 beds over the past year and nearly 500 beds over the past two years. A further 20 beds became available last month. No serious difficulties in regard to the staffing of extra accommodation have been experienced. Additional accommodation is under construction or in planning. I have made arrangements that certain institutions which had been used for other purposes will be converted for use by the mentally handicapped and I am having examined the possibility of converting others. It is impossible yet to know with certainty how many of the possibilities under examination will bear fruit, but it is my hope that substantial accommodation will become available over the next two years for severely and moderately handicapped children. While the main demand for residential care is in respect of these classes and I am giving them priority in the provision of accommodation, I am keeping under review the question of increased residential accommodation for mildly handicapped children.