Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of my ministerial colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Finian McGrath, I thank Senator Buttimer for raising this important issue.

I am informed by the HSE Cork Kerry community healthcare that it is aware of the case and that there has been ongoing engagement with the individual and his family since 2016. This Government's ongoing priority is to safeguard the vulnerable people who are in the care of the health service. We are committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities that will empower them to live independent lives. As part of the HSE's ongoing service provision, this year it will provide over 8,300 residential places to families in need across the country. Our policy is for people with disabilities to be supported to achieve their full potential so that, where possible, they can live ordinary lives in ordinary places, doing ordinary things. The overarching principle governing the planning and delivery of health services and supports for adults and children with disabilities, including autism, is that they should be integrated as much as possible with services and supports for the rest of the population.

At the request of the Minister for Health, the HSE has conducted a review of services to identify the existing models of best practice. The review has been completed and is being reviewed by the Department. In addition, the Department has completed an epidemiological research study into the prevalence and future projections for the autism spectrum disorder. Both of these reports are now being considered by the Department and the Minister.

While the Senator will appreciate that I am unable to comment on an individual case, I am aware that this case has been reported by the media recently. In the Cork Kerry disability services, Aspect is the service provider for day services for someone with a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome. Residential placements for adults with disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, are considered following detailed clinical assessments by the HSE services. On the other hand, access to places for those with the most complex needs are allocated on a priority basis and appropriate availability of service.I am informed by the HSE that the individual and family have been advised that if support is required for the mental health service, they should contact their GP who can make a referral. I also point out to Senator Buttimer that a caseworker was assigned by Aspect to this individual and in spite of numerous communications by the key worker to both his mother and this young person, the individual only attended one meeting in 2017.