Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday's report in The Irish Times raises many questions, including, yet again, a question regarding the Minister's decision-making capacity. Why is it, some 18 months after the welcome announcement in January 2012 of €3 million in additional, much needed funding for autism services, that we find that only 10% of that allocation has been spent, all of it this year, with nothing at all utilised in the entirety of 2012? Why is it that of the €300,000 drawn down, only one facility has benefited? Is it a coincidence that this facility is in an area close to the Minister's political heartland? Why make an exception of this facility knowing, as he surely must and as I certainly do, of the cries of parents of children with autism right across the State who are struggling to secure their essential support needs? It is wholly unacceptable. Will the Minister indicate when he expects the independent review that he has commissioned to be published, if he will bring it to a close as quickly as possible and when the remaining funds will be allocated?

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