Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

A total of €2.4 billion has been invested in the area of intellectual, physical and sensory autism. Practically all that money has been spent on staff. The money is used to employ professionals. It is not a case of billions of euro being thrown around the place. Staff are employed to help the needs of these people on a daily basis. It is right that we invest this money in services for people with intellectual disability. This year 255 residential respite places have been provided for people with autism. A total of 535 day care places have also been provided. The expenditure is being made and a vast amount of money has been invested in this area. I am glad——

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