Robert Molloy
Question:44 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the submission to his Department by the Galway branch of the Irish Autistic Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3921/97]
Written Answers. - Autism Submission.
Limerick East): The proposals from the Galway Branch of the Irish autistic association relate to the development of residential and day services at a property purchased by them and the re-commissioning of an existing facility in the Galway area.
The question of the development of services for persons with autism in the western region is a matter in the first instance for the Western Health Board. Issues relating to the planning and co-ordination of services to persons with a mental handicap or autism in the Western Health Board area are dealt with by the Regional Mental Handicap Co-ordinating Committee. The co-ordinating committee is representative of the health board, voluntary service providers and parents and families of persons with a mental handicap. It would be a matter for this committee to consider proposals for new services to be funded from any additional funding which may come on stream in 1997, including the proposals in question.
As the Deputy is aware, additional funding of £12 million has been provided in 1997 for services to persons with a mental handicap. The sum of £2 million will be used to meet identified needs in existing services. The remaining £10 million will be used to put in place new services. In addition to those persons with autism who will benefit from the overall provision of new residential and day care places for persons with a mental handicap in 1997, specific funding is also being allocated from the £10 million for the development of services to persons with autism in line with the recommendations outlined in my Department's policy document on services to persons with autism. The request for development funding for the Irish Autistic Association's proposals will be considered by the Regional Mental Handicap Co-ordinating Committee in the Western Health Board in the light of the additional funds which will be made available to the board in the near future.