Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 3

Written Answers. - Autism Services.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

229 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement setting out progress made on the issue of autism following the meeting he had with PACT - Parents of Autistic Children Together - in November 2000. [5530/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

Additional revenue funding amounting to £28 million in 2001, with a full year cost of £35 million in 2002, has been made available to further enhance the level of services provided to persons with autism and those with an intellectual disability. This funding will provide additional residential, respite and day services, together with a range of other support services. Capital funding amounting to £45 million has also been made available this year to support the expansion of the services.

In particular £3 million increasing to £3.5 million in 2002, has been provided to increase the level of health related support services to children with autism and those with an intellectual disability. A sum of £1.375 million, increasing to £1.65 million in 2002, has been made available for the further enhancement of the health related support services for children in the Eastern Regional Health Authority, of which £625,000, with a full year cost of £750,000, is specifically for services to children with autism. Capital funding of £1 million has also been provided to support the expansion of these services for children with autism and their families.

My Department is also working with the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority to establish an information system which will provide accurate data on the numbers of persons with autism and their service needs. A number of other issues related to medical and dietary matters and the possible assignment of project workers as special needs assistants in classes for children with autism which were raised at my meeting with PACT are being followed up by my Department.

Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 209.