The Midland Health Board, of which I am a member, allocated over €2 million between 2000 and 2003 towards the development of services for persons with autism residing in its catchment area. A total of 14.5 posts have been approved and funded for a regional multidisciplinary specialist team. A regional respite care facility at Charleville Cottage, Tullamore and a regional community based residential and day facility based in County Longford, in Senator Bannon's locality, were commissioned in 2002. These facilities are partnership initiatives between the Midland Health Board and Rehab. The health board has two consultant psychiatrists – one for children and one for adults – with a special interest in intellectual disability and autism. The board provides a range of community and home support services for families of children with autism. Additional funding of €290,000 was provided for these services in 2003. A sum of €240,000 was allocated towards the regional respite facility in Tullamore and €50,000 was provided for a therapist for the regional multidisciplinary team.