Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Autism Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

355 Mr. J. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give further financial assistance to the Irish Society for Autism to complete the purchase of a property at Myshall, County Carlow; whether the State intends to acquire the property; and, if so, if some arrangement can be made so that the society can acquire the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13052/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Decisions in relation to the allocation of funding for new developments in services for persons with disabilities, including those with autism, are a matter for individual health boards and are taken in line with the priorities which have been identified for each region through the established planning and consultative structures. This applies to both revenue and capital funding for new service developments. All of the capital funding available to my Department to support the development of services for persons with autism and those with an intellectual disability in 2000 has been notified to the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority.

In the case of the property in Myshall, the relevant health board would be the South Eastern Health Board. The Minister understands from that board that no approach has been made by the society to the board concerning a proposed development for persons with autism in Myshall. While it is noted that the society has been interested in this property since January 2000, consideration of a proposal requiring funding at the level requested by it at this stage in the planning process for 2000 will pose particular difficulties for the board as the regional priorities for development have been largely determined.

I have however asked the board to ascertain whether any assistance can be made available to the society in this matter.

In relation to the purchase of the property, I understand that the current position is that the Office of Public Works has signed a contract with the proprietors to purchase the property. I also understand that the Irish Society for Autism did not make contact with the Office of Public Works regarding its interest in this property.

While any decision regarding the purpose for which this property may be used is not a matter for my Department, I will inform my colleagues, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works of the outcome of my request to the South Eastern Health Board in relation to this matter.