Vol. 542 No. 2
533 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to develop a new policy for people aged 18 and over in the autistic spectrum; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many such persons in Dublin 9 are in institutions run by voluntary boards who are unable to fund those supports. [23921/01]
I am aware of the facility to which the Deputies refer. The facility in question is funded by the health authorities and provides day care, residential and respite services to adults who are on the autistic spectrum. My Department is not currently involved in the provision of support ser vices to persons attending the facility in question. The issue of education and training services for persons with autism over 18 years of age is among the matters which have been considered by the special task force on autism. I expect to receive the report of the task force by the end of this month and the views of the task force will be taken fully into account in the future development of services for persons with autism over 18 years.
