Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - Autism Services.

John Bruton

Question:

475 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason he has only allocated funds for the provision of one occupational therapist in the North-Eastern Health Board region where there are at present 75 children suffering with autism, and a further 23 children being assessed for autism; the reason he has not provided additional funding for another two occupational therapists to be provided by the health board to assist children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8018/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley)

The North-Eastern Health Board has been allocated additional funding amounting to €1,120 million in 2003; €320,000 to further enhance the health related support services for children with an intellectual disability or autism and €800,000 to meet the full year costs of the 2002 development programme. Responsibility for the provision of services to persons with an intellectual disability or autism in the north-east lies with the North-Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.