Vol. 529 No. 1
637 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has any plans to compile a county by county database of autistic children and the services they have received so far; if he will liaise with the health boards and the Department of Education and Finance to formulate plans for services they will require in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1626/01]
In recent years, as part of the overall planning and development of services for persons with autism, the health boards and the ERHA have been obtaining additional information on the needs of this group in their regions, and in particular in relation to those who require or will require specialist services. The Department is also examining a number of measures, including the enhancement of existing information in relation to numbers and the health related support services required by them. At a meeting held earlier this month with representatives of the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority, an initial discussion took place regarding the development of a regional information system which would provide information on current service provision and current and future needs of persons with autism. This matter will be followed up with the boards and ERHA over the coming months.
With reference to the level of co-ordination which exists between my Department and the Department of Education and Science, both Departments, together with the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority, have worked together to enhance the level of educational and health related support services available to children with special needs. In relation to children with autism, additional funding of approximately £5 million has been invested by my Department between 1998 and 2000 to expand the level of health related support services to this group. A further £3 million has been made available by my Department in 2001, with a full year cost of £3.5 million in 2002, to further enhance these services for children with autism and those with an intellectual disability.
My Department, the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority will continue to work with the Department of Education and Science in relation to both the planning and enhancement of the overall level of educational and health related support services available to children with special needs, including those with autism.
