Dan Boyle
Question:314 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is envisaged to fully implement the recommendations of the task force on autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2454/03]
Written Answers. - Autism Services.
The task force on autism, which was established by the Department of Education and Science, has put forward a range of recommendations ranging from measures aimed at identifying prevalence rates, through issues relating to diagnosis and assessment, the centrality of the role of parents, the required models of education and health care services, the need for specialist training for those involved in service provision, to structural, constitutional and policy issues. The needs of persons in the age group identified by the Deputy are included in these recommendations.
The scope of the task force's recommendations is such as to require a multifaceted response involving educational and health care inputs. The task force's recommendations are currently being considered by both Departments.
My colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Noel Dempsey, will also bring forward legislation, based on the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2002, as soon as possible to copperfasten the rights and entitlements of persons with disabilities, including persons with autism.
There has been a significant investment in both health related and educational supports for persons with autism in recent years. Additional funding of €13.3 million has been allocated by my Department to services for persons with autism or intellectual disability in 2003 to meet the full year cost of the 2002 developments and to further enhance the health related support services to children with autism or intellectual disability. This funding is in addition to the very significant revenue investment, amounting to €188 million, which has been made in these services since 1997 and which is built into the ongoing budget base.
The additional funding provided by this and the previous Government between 2000 and 2002 was used to put in place, in addition to a range of other services, over 900 new residential, 380 new respite and around 2,000 new day places for people with autism and those with an intellectual disability.
In particular €14.6 million has been invested by my Department in health related support services for children with autism or intellectual disability nationally between 1998 and 2002. A further €4 million has been allocated to these services in 2003. This includes diagnostic and assessment services, early intervention, home support and out reach support to children of school going age.
Question No. 315 answered with Question No. 307.