91997E2968

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2968/97 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Creation of day centres for the care of people with special needs

The pilot programme to combat exclusion from the employment market and in particular Sub-Programme 1 for the 'insertion and reinsertion into the employment market of people with special needs', is intended for people with psychological disorders or mental handicaps in order to help them lead independent lives. This sub-programme, together with the 'health and welfare' pilot programme is concerned with the creation and operation of day centres for the care of people with special needs.

In view of the timetable for Sub-Programme 1 drawn up in 1994, what progress has been made concerning these day centres, how many have been created and where?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (7 November 1997)

Subprogramme 1 of the operational programme 'Combating exclusion from the labour market' is aimed at people with handicaps, including the mentally ill or mentally retarded. The Commission would point out to the Honourable Member that day centres for people with handicaps are referred to in the above-mentioned subprogramme as a valid support and accompanying measure which could help in the socio-economic reintegration of the persons concerned, although no specific provision is made for the creation of this type of centre.

With regard to subprogramme 2 'Welfare' of the operational programme 'Health and welfare', there are three measures in which provision is made for a number of types of centre for people with handicaps.

Measure 2.1 provides for the creation of a number of preventive-care and education centres for handicapped persons, and a large number of centres (25) are under consideration or have been built in the capitals of the various 'prefectures' which were regarded as lacking in this type of infrastructure.

Under measure 2.2, a limited number of welfare centres (9-10) are in the process of being modernised and repaired in order to be able to provide better rehabilitation facilities. In addition, a limited number of centres for persons suffering from autism are in the process of being set up.

Measure 2.3 makes arrangements for a network of centres which are in the process of being set up in Attica and Thessaloniki for primary provision and ongoing care of persons with handicaps and other excluded groups.