The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the matter raised by the Deputy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's south eastern area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
However, my Department understands from the Health Service Executive south eastern area that a needs assessment is nearing completion and a further meeting has been arranged with the Irish Society for Autism to advance the proposal. The Health Service Executive south eastern area has further indicated that the funding of the project will not arise until an agreement is reached on the proposed service configuration.