Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Autism Services.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

634 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will recognise the distinct needs of profoundly deaf people with additional handicaps; if after care in a signing environment for such people will be provided in order that respite and residential placements are available for the families involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1199/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley)

Additional funding of €13.3 million has been allocated to services for people with an intellectual disability or autism in 2003 to meet the full year cost of the 2002 developments and to further enhance the health related support services to children with an intellectual disability or autism. This funding is in addition to the very significant revenue investment, amounting to €188 million, which has been made in these services since 1997 and which is built into the ongoing budget base.

Since 1997, additional ongoing funding in excess of €113 million has been provided for the maintenance and development of services to people with physical or sensory disabilities.

Responsibility for the provision of services to people with disabilities is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant health board. Decisions in relation to the precise services to be developed in each region are taken by the health boards, in consultation with the regional co-ordinating and development committees, and in line with the service priorities, which have been agreed for that region. This would include services for persons with specific needs such as those outlined by the Deputy.