§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with provisions in Northern Ireland for the adult mentally handicapped.
§ Mr. CarterI am not satisfied with provision in Northern Ireland for the adult mentally handicapped. While the Health and Social Services Boards provide a full range of services such as hospitals, residential homes, day facilities and domiciliary services, there is a current shortage of training facilities and of places in residential homes for adults. It is intended shortly to issue a statement on the future development of services for the mentally handicapped.
Places provided in establishments operated by Health and Social Services Board Places provided in voluntary and private establishment Total Eastern Health and Social Services Board … … 149 101 250 Northern … … 45 — 45 Southern … … 35 62 97 Western … … 54 — 54 Northern Ireland … … 283 163 446
§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number of persons attending adult training centres in each area health board in the year ended 31st March 1977.
§ Mr. CarterFollowing is the information:
Eastern Health and Social Services Board 862 Northern Health and Social Services Board 454 Southern Health and Social Services Board 427 Western Health and Social Services Board 284 The figures refer to mentally handicapped adults and include provision within special care schools and some day centres.