asked the Minister for Health the number of mentally handicapped persons at present on the waiting list for residential accommodation; and the proportion of these that will be placed this year.

On 31st March, 1972, the latest date for which completed statistics are available, there were 691 mentally handicapped persons under 16 years of age and 136 over 16 years of age on the waiting lists of health boards for admission to residential centres. I cannot say how many handicapped persons will be placed in residential centres during the year, but, as the Deputy is aware, additional places are being provided each year. About 400 additional places have been provided since March, 1972 and the approved programme has provision for a further 1,000 places to be completed over the next few years.

Arising out of the Minister's encouraging reply, does this not appear to mean that for the first time we can look forward to a situation where there will not be a waiting list in, perhaps, three or four years?

The proposals I have mentioned here would suggest that what the Deputy says is correct.

We shall finally have a situation——

One thousand places in the next few years should make a substantial contribution to provision for these mentally handicapped persons.

Are the figures the Minister has given, 600-odd and 100-odd, not the lowest that have obtained at any time in recent years?

I have not that information.

I think the Minister will find they are.

At 31st March, 1972, 691 under 16 years of age and 136 over 16 years of age were on the waiting list, but I have not the actual numbers in the information before me here.

But it is a most encouraging situation to date?

It is encouraging, but it is still not satisfactory for the unfortunate people who want to be admitted now.

But at least it is more hopeful and will continue to get better each year.

Would the Minister not agree that, while there is provision for 1,000 patients, regard must also be had to the fact that mentally handicapped children are being born every year? That is the fact which has not been realised by the Department up to now.

Deputy Flanagan asked me a question, but I think the reply to the next question by Deputy O'Connell will give the information.