Vol. 526 No. 3
260 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make additional funding available to the South Western Area Health Board in order that a deficit of £274,824 can be paid to the Irish Society for Autism, as this amount equates to the amount owed to the board by the Eastern Health Board which cannot make payment as it requires additional funding from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26424/00]
The Eastern Health Board had been working with the Irish Society for Autism over the last number of years in relation to its financial position, including the elimination of some historic deficits. While these matters have, in the main, been resolved, the question of the deficit mentioned by the Deputy is still outstanding. As outlined in the recent letter sent to the Deputy by the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, this matter is being followed up by officials from my Department and the chief executive of the South Western Area Health Board. I will keep the Deputy informed of any developments in this matter.
