Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. He said in his concluding remarks that while many advances have been made in recent years, much remains to be achieved. Much has been achieved but equally, much remains to be done. When we speak about people with autism we are talking about the most vulnerable people in society. It behoves us all, especially those of us who are elected representatives, to use that position to best effect to ensure the provision of the optimum services for those people.

I agree with Senator Feighan's point regarding the training of appropriate professional staff. There has been a difficulty in recruiting such staff. Career guidance teachers can play a pivotal role in this regard by encouraging young people to pursue such occupations. That might alleviate the situation somewhat. There is a shortage of professional staff in the medical, nursing and paramedical areas.

The provision of orthodontic services has been difficult. I am pleased to inform the House that in the case of my health board, the corner has been turned. I am sure Senator Bannon will agree with me when I record our appreciation of the contribution of Dr. David Hegarty.

Between 1997 and 2002, approximately 1,700 additional residential places, mainly community-based, have been provided. This figure includes new residential respite places developed between 1997 and 1998. Between 1999 and 2002, approximately 465 residential places were provided. Children with autism require special care and they demand additional attention. In families with other children, respite care helps relieve stress and it is imperative that appropriate respite care is provided for families with an autistic member.

Between 1997 and 2002, additional revenue and funding, amounting to just under €327 million – revenue of €188 million and capital of €139 million – was provided for the maintenance and development of services for persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism. The national intellectual disability database indicated that in 1996, 85.5% of those with an intellectual disability, or 22,804 persons, were known to be in receipt of services. This figure had increased to 89.8%, or 24,035 persons, by 2000. We do not plan to slip a disc by slapping ourselves on the back. While we have made great strides, much needs to be done, as the Minister of State has said.