Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

On behalf of my colleagues, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, and the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley, who is replying to a similar Adjournment debate in the Dáil, I thank the Senator for raising this matter and giving me the opportunity to reply on behalf of the Minister and Minister of State. She has demonstrated a clear understanding of the seriousness of the problem through the questions she asked.

The Government has made a significant level of additional funding available to services for persons with an intellectual disability and autism. In 2003 additional funding of €13.3 million will be allocated to the services. This funding is in addition to the very significant revenue investment, amounting to €188 million, which has been made since 1997 and is built into the ongoing budget base. Between 1997 and 2002 approximately 1,700 new residential, 470 respite and 3,000 day places have been provided.