More than 2,000 people with a mental handicap are currently in need of at least one service which is not being provided, according to a report published yesterday by the Minister of State for Health, Mr Brian O'Shea.
The "Assessment of Need for Services to Persons with a Mental Handicap, 1997-2001", reveals that 604 people currently have no services and require residential or day services or both; 1,280 people who have a day service also require residential care; and 452 people who receive a residential service also require a day service.
The report says the number of places required to address this need are 1,439 residential/ respite places, and 1,036 day care places.
Mr O'Shea said the cost of delivering the services required will be £63.5 million, of which £12 million has been provided in 1997 to begin the process of putting them in place.