Vol. 468 No. 4
152 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health whether he has received an urgent application for financial assistance towards the treatment of a five year old child (details supplied) in County Tipperary for autism in the United States; and if he will make the necessary moneys available in view of the urgency of the case and the severe financial hardship incurred by the family concerned. [15200/96]
The provision of services to persons with autism in the south eastern region is a matter in the first instance for the South-Eastern Health Board.
In view of the significant and continuing improvements in the level and range of services available here, the Deputy will appreciate that it is only in exceptional cases that the need arises for individuals to be placed in services outside this country.
Before a formal application is made to my Department regarding the provision of services for persons abroad, the health board in question must be satisfied that the individual concerned requires a level of service or treatment which is not available to him or her in this country and that the person concerned is likely to benefit from the treatment.
The South-Eastern Health Board has been examining the application made on behalf of the child in question and I understand that their decision will be conveyed to his parents within the next two days.
