Johnny Brady
Question:171 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding services for children with autism in County Meath. [15981/99]
Written Answers. - Autisim Services.
The provision of health services to children with autism in County Meath is primarily the responsibility of the North-Eastern Health Board. In the first instance, children with autism avail of the generic services available to children with an intellectual disability in the county. However, this year I was pleased to be in a position to provide additional funding of £200,000, with a full year cost of £300,000 in 2000, for the development of specific health-related support services for children with autism in the north eastern region. This funding has enabled a dedicated multi-disciplinary team to be formed to support children with autism in County Meath, and will provide early intervention services for young children and support for schoolgoing children. The posts of senior psychologist, senior speech and language therapist and medical social worker have been filled, and recruitment is under way for a senior occupational therapist.
In total, this year I provided additional funding of £1.5 million with a full year cost of £2.5 million in 2000, for the further development of health-related support services for children with autism. Planning for the continued development of support services for children and adults with autism is included by the North-Eastern Health Board in their overall consideration of the needs in their region.