Denis Naughten
Ceist:564 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to provide additional funding to the Autism Society; the level of funding provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13839/02]
Written Answers. - Autism Services.
Each year, my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance, notifies each health board and the Eastern Regional Health Authority of its determination for the following year. This would include ongoing funding for existing services, together with any additional funding which has been made available for new service developments. It is a matter for the individual health board or authority to allocate these funds, having regard to the level of service provided by the board or authority.
The information concerning the level of funding made available to the agency in question is not readily available to my Department. I have asked the relevant health boards for this information and will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available to me.
Question No. 565 answered with Question No. 517
Willie Penrose
Ceist:566 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath can be assisted financially to have a necessary hip operation carried out at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin; if this financial help will be forthcoming from the Midland Health Board to assist this person to have this procedure carried out immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13868/02]
Responsibility for the provision of health services to persons living in County Westmeath rests with the Midland Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.