asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that autistic children who attend St. Loman's day centre in Palmerstown, County Dublin, can no longer be accommodated after they reach the age of 18 years and that there is no alternative day centre available for them at present; and if he has any proposal to convert this centre into a centre for juvenile and adult autistics.
Written Answers . - Autistic Children's Day Centre .
755.
: It is understood that the school services for austistic children at St. Loman's Centre, Palmerstown, County Dublin, under the aegis of the Department of Education are not generally available beyond the age of 18 years.
There are, however, a number of alternative centres available which cater for autistic adolescents and young adults — St. Dympna's Training Centre, North Circular Road and the sheltered workshop at Milltown. In addition it is understood that the Irish Society for Autistic Children will shortly be opening Dunfirth House, Enfield, County Kildare which will provide care for young adult autistics.
The Eastern Health Board does not propose to use the present day facilities for children at St. Loman's Hospital in the future as a special centre for adult autistics.