Robert Molloy
Ceist:7 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Health if he will approve funding towards the cost of the two-year placement in St. Pier's Special School, Lingfield, England for a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special School Placement.
Responsibility for the provision of services for persons with mental handicap in the western region is primarily a matter for the Western Health Board.
Having considered the particular circumstances of the case mentioned by the Deputy, the board has indicated to my Department that it is prepared to contribute to the cost of the individual's attendance at St. Pier's Special School. The Department of Education has been informed of the board's decision in this matter.
The Department of Education is currently consulting with the Department of Finance regarding the financial sanction necessary in relation to its contribution to the costs in question.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is only in exceptional cases that the need arises for individuals to be placed in services outside this country and each case requires careful examination of all the factors which gave rise to the initial request for such a placement.
While the Minister has answered that question satisfactorily, I take it he means that the funding will be realistic and in line with requirements?
It will be co-funded by my Department and the Department of Education through the health board. There is no difficulty with the allocation of funding from my Department but there is a technicality in that the Department of Education needs the sanction of the Department of Finance, which is at present being sought.