Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Autism Services.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

578 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the types of services available in the Mid-Western Health Board area for those suffering from autism and Aspergers' syndrome; his views on a case (details supplied); and his future plans to improve the service for people suffering from these conditions. [1865/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Further additional funding has been provided by my Department in 2002 to build on the developments which have been put in place in services to persons with autism and those with an intellectual disability over the last number of years. A total of 51.525 million in revenue and capital has been allocated to these services this year to put in place a range of new developments to meet the full-year cost of the 2001 development programme and to meet identified needs in existing services. From the 25 million provided for the development of new services nationally, 1.878 million has been allocated to the Mid-Western Health Board region. The precise details of the services to be developed in the region are a matter for the board in line with the guidelines issued by my Department and the priorities which have been identified for the region.

In relation to services provided to support persons with autism in the Mid-Western Health Board region, I have been informed by the board that during the past year, area intervention teams commenced in Limerick and Clare with the appointment of a service co-ordinator and clinical psychologist in each area and a social work team leader in Clare. A total of 54 children and 13 adults benefited from these services. A needs-assessment survey has been completed in Clare which is being used to inform the intervention teams in relation to the required models of service provision. A sub-committee has been formed to review the current structures and service provision with a view to finalising an action plan for autism spectrum disorder services in 2002. The board, in partnership with other service providers, will continue to develop services for persons within the autistic spectrum. This will include the further development of catchment area teams.

In the case of the individual mentioned by the Deputy, I have outlined the information given to me by the board in relation to the services provided for him in a separate letter as it would not be appropriate to give personal information in my reply. I would however like to assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to the ongoing development of support services for persons with autism and their families.