Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Deenihan for raising this matter, which I will bring to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, with a view to an early meeting on the matter. It provides me with an opportunity to outline to the House the position regarding the additional funding provided for services for children and adults with disabilities in 2005.

In November 2004, the Government announced that disability and mental health services would be prioritised under the Estimates for new health initiatives in 2005. An additional sum of €40 million was to be allocated in 2005 to services for persons with intellectual disability and those with autism. This would form part of a five-year multi-annual budget for the sector. The new funding would provide additional residential, respite and day places, improve specialist support services and meet costs associated with moving individuals to more appropriate placements.

In April 2005 a meeting took place between officials from the HSE southern area and NAMHI at which matters relating to intellectual disability services in the southern area, including service deficits in the Kerry area, were discussed.

In June 2005 the HSE southern area received notification of its allocation of over €6 million out of €40 million allocated to intellectual disability and autism services in 2005. Through a process of consultation with all service providers, parents and clients, funding was allocated in accordance with local priorities, in consultation with the regional planning committee for intellectual disability services.

At the consultative group meeting on 14 June which involved parents, nominees of service providers and HSE officials, the allocation of funding for 2005 was discussed but NAMHI left the meeting prior to discussion.

NAMHI has requested a meeting with the regional planning committee and this request will be brought to the next committee meeting which takes place in early autumn.

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