Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 3

Written Answers. - Autism Services.

Mary Wallace

Question:

353 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals his Department has in conjunction with the North Eastern Health Board to provide adult autism residential beds for County Meath clients; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are absolutely no adult autism beds available to County Meath at present and there are 40 adults with autism at present in need of residential accommodation; the actual proposals which have been sent to his Department by the health board; and the status with regard to the proposals. [22938/03]

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

Responsibility for the provision of new developments including adult autism residential beds in County Meath is a matter, in the first instance, for the North Eastern Health Board. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot at this stage give specific commitments in relation to levels of expenditure in 2004 for any particular service as these matters will be decided as part of the discussions on the Estimates and budget for that year between my Department and the Department of Finance.