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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - Autism Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

315 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when the provision of the services of a speech therapist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and social worker will be granted to Scoil Mhichil Naofa, Stanhope Street, Athy, County Kildare, which has two classes for autistic children in view of the fact this was promised to the board of management prior to commencing the classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21255/99]

Jack Wall

Question:

319 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the back up services and the medical advice which exist in relation to children with autism (details supplied) attending Scoil Mhichil Naofa, Stanhope Place, Athy, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21253/99]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 319 together.

The provision of health related support services to schoolgoing children with autism is the responsibility in the first instance of the health boards. I understand this school, although located in the Eastern Health Board region, provides services to children from within the Midland Health Board region. An official from the Eastern Health Board outreach team has attended the school on a number of occasions to assist in an individual case. At a meeting with representatives of the Midland Health Board on 17 September 1999, the co-ordinator of the Eastern Health Board's services discussed the model of service provision used within that board. It was also agreed that the Midland Health Board would be responsible for the provision of health related support services for the children attending Scoil Mhichil Naofa from their region.

Fifty thousand pounds was allocated to the Midland Health Board in 1999, with a full year cost of £150,000 in 2000, for the further development of health related support services to school going children with autism. The board is in the process of expanding the level of multi-disciplinary support available to children with autism arising from the allocation of this additional funding. The further development of these services in 2000 by the board will be examined in the context of the level of funding which may be made available to it next year.

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