Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
1435. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the Exchequer to provide sufficient places for all school leavers on the autism spectrum each year up to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26133/16]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities, including those with autism, which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. The Programme for Partnership Government commits the Government to ensuring that all 18 year old school leavers with intellectual and physical disabilities have continued education or training opportunities and funding for the provision of day services for all school leavers is part of the Estimates negotiations on an annual basis.
To ensure these needs are met in 2016, €7.25 million was allocated by the Health Service Executive (HSE), at the beginning of the year, to provide appropriate services and supports to approximately 1,500 young people with disabilities and autism who will require continuing health-funded supports on leaving school or rehabilitative ( life skills ) training this year.
In addition, a proportion of the additional €3 million secured for disability services in June has also funded new initiatives to meet the needs of this year's school leavers. Once off funding of €2 million is also being provided for the refurbishment and fit-out of buildings to provide suitable service locations, based on an assessment of the physical capacity within existing services to accommodate the additional numbers.
Having regard to the estimated cost of providing sufficient day service places for all school leavers on the Autism Spectrum each year up to 2021, as this is a service issue I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
