Vol. 543 No. 2
364 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding for the Brothers of Charity, Ballinasloe, County Galway for the provision of a high support service for four clients currently without any service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26139/01]
Additional funding amounting to £2.895 million, with a full year cost of £3.260 million, has been allocated this year to the Western Health Board for the development of services for persons with intellectual disabilities and those with autism. As the Estimates discussions in relation to 2002 are still under way, I am not in a position to comment on any specific plans for the health services in that year. Decisions in relation to the precise details of the services to be provided from any additional funding and the individuals who will benefit from those services are a matter for the relevant health board – in this case the Western Health Board – in line with the priorities which have been identified for the region and any guidelines which may be issued by my Department. I have asked the board to follow this matter up with the Deputy in relation to the individuals in question.
