Vol. 531 No. 4
103 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the points raised at his meeting with members of the Parents of Autistic Children on 28 November 2000, he will outline the steps he will take to meet the needs of those with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5951/01]
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 total 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 £0.625 million, with a full year cost of £0.750 million, 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.
