asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the concern of parents of mentally handicapped children at the lack of employment and care facilities for those over 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

For many years I have been aware that the current level of mental handicap service provision falls short of meeting all requirements, particularly for adults. A comprehensive review of mental handicap services is being carried out by my Department to identify the shortfall and to draw up guidelines for the future development of the service. The review will cover all aspects of the mental handicap services including adult services and is being carried out by way of consultation with persons and organisations involved in the service, including parents' associations. It is expected that the review group's report will be completed this year.

However, without prejudice to the conclusions of the review, discussions are taking place in many areas about the development of services for people with mental handicap. As in the past, it is my intention to protect and develop mental handicap services through the redeployment of resources and the provision of additional resources where possible within the present financial climate.

While acknowledging that handicapped persons, in common with other sections of the community, are experiencing difficulties in securing employment, every effort is being made to ensure that handicapped people get their fair share of employment opportunities. In this regard one of the most recent measures aimed at promoting employment of handicapped workers is the development by the National Rehabilitation Board in agreement with the Departments of Health and Labour, FUE, ICTU, the Institute of Personnel Management and the Union of Voluntary Organisations for the Handicapped of guidelines on the employment of disabled persons. I am confident that these guidelines will improve the employment opportunities of handicapped people.

The Minister will agree that much of our health services seem to be eternally under review. My question relates to the grave concern of the parents of mentally handicapped children. Can the Minister indicate to the House the number of such handicapped persons in the country who are not in a caring institution, or are not in any way usefully or gainfully employed? Can he give the House an indication today as to how many opportunities or places for handicapped people will be made available this year and what plans the Government have to ensure that adequate places are provided for these people? It is a matter of distressing concern to the hundreds of parents throughout the country not knowing what will happen to their children when they reach the age of 17 or 18 years and have to leave the institutions they grew up in.

I must dissuade the Deputy from making a speech.

Can the Minister give a more encouraging and a more positive response and a greater assurance to these parents that something definitely will be done?

I do not have the figures the Deputy requires but they are readily available. I accept that there is a problem and, indeed, has been a problem for many years, particularly in the placement of mentally handicapped adults. One of the reasons I am anxious to have this review completed is to see how we can move rapidly towards finding some solution to that problem. Much has been done in the last year to facilitate mentally handicapped adults, including allocations from the national lottery.