Vol. 478 No. 7
33 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Health if he has received an application from the Western Health Board for funding for the development of a farm at Claregalway, County Galway, for young adults from the Galway branch of the Irish Autistic Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9038/97]
Limerick East): I am aware of the proposals by the Galway branch of the Irish Society for Autism to develop a farm for young adults at Claregalway.
The development of services for persons with autism in the western region is a matter in the first instance for the Western Health Board. Recently I approved an allocation of £850,000 to the Western Health Board for the provision of new residential/respite and day care places in 1997 for persons with a mental handicap, including those with autism.
Issues relating to the planning and co-ordination of services to persons with a mental handicap or autism in the Western Health Board area, and details of the precise services to be put in place, will be agreed by the Regional Mental Handicap Co-ordinating Committee in line with the priority needs which have been identified for the region. The co-ordinating committee is representatives of the health board, voluntary service providers and parents and families of persons with a mental handicap.
