Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not doubt the Minister of State's bona fidesbut I find his answer disappointing. We are going to a meeting tomorrow that came about as a result of a public meeting and serious pressure. The message from the health executives is that they have no money. We need a more positive message for a group on the ground that is saving the State money with the hours the partnership provides, which is more than 4,000. Services in Galway for people with autism are simply appalling. Only this week I dealt with a person with autism who was expelled from school. He was told to go to the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, but it had no service for him. He was told to go to occupational therapy, but it also had no services for him. He was told to go to Athenry for services, but I have a letter that tells me there is a more than a three year waiting list there. Parallel with this situation, GAP is on the ground providing a service on a shoestring budget and saving the State money. It is simply asking for support so it can continue to help people with autism to live as independently as possible. That is all we are asking for. In the absence of the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, who should be here, I ask that the Minister of State, Deputy English, take a hands-on approach in this matter. At the very least, the partnership needs hope and practical help.

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