Vol. 547 No. 4
139 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans for the buildings and grounds at Ionad Folláin, Myshall, County Carlow; if a use has been agreed on for the property; if his Department has been in contact with the South-Eastern Health Board regarding the plans in conjunction with local regional and national organisations in this regard; and if the South-Eastern Health Board has made a submission to his Department for funding. [3787/02]
Interviews for the position of project worker to undertake a review of services and needs assessment of children and adults with autism in the South-Eastern Health Board region are taking place within the next week. The review is to be completed within a six month timeframe and the future use of the property at Myshall will be part of that review.
The outcome of the review will indicate the quantum, type and location of the services required and a strategy for the development of services. This will be discussed with the regional consultative and development committees in order to plan the future residential, respite and other services for children and adults with autism in the region.
With reference to the question of funding for specific services, while my Department has regular contact with all of the health boards, including the South-Eastern Health Board, in relation to the overall needs which are identified for their regions, decisions relating to the funding of particular services are a matter for the relevant health board and must take account of the priorities which have been agreed for the region.
