Vol. 508 No. 5
89 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance, if any, his Department will give to the families of five autistic children who attend Camphill, Ballytobin, County Kilkenny, on a daily basis but have no established transport system to rely on; if he will offer the funding required to cover the costs of this system or grant aid each family to cover the full cost of travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19399/99]
The provision of health-related support services to children with autism in the Kilkenny area is the responsibility of the South-Eastern Health Board in the first instance. I understand from the South-Eastern Health Board that the question of transport for these children is being examined and a review of the options available to resolve this matter is currently being undertaken. I am informed that the board expects to be in a position to make a decision in the matter shortly and I will be in touch with the Deputy directly as soon as the information comes to hand.
