Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me the opportunity to raise this matter. I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber.

I raise once again the plight of school leavers with intellectual disability. The end of the school year is rapidly approaching. Additional moneys were allocated in budget 2008 to provide for those people with intellectual disability leaving school in June this year who require placement in HSE-funded services in September. Funding was specifically allocated to allow for the provision of those places but unfortunately, as of yet there does not appear to be confirmation to either the students or their families that those places will be funded in September. Considerable anxiety is being caused. That anxiety is heightened by the fact that as there has not been confirmation of the funding, it has not been possible for students to visit any of the proposed placements as those services are reluctant to raise expectations unless the funding is forthcoming.

I raise this matter on the Adjournment to seek confirmation from the Minister that approval has now been given to allocate part of that additional €50 million for disabilities to the provision of those places for school leavers, and that confirmation has been given to the services which will provide the places and to the students and their families, thus alleviating the need for a stressful and anxious summer.