Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 122: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in County Meath had their children taken into care; and if she will increase the support services to all children with autism. [9157/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January, 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for disability services. As the Deputy may be aware, my colleague, the Minister for Finance, in his 2005 budget made available additional funding in the sum of €55 million for services to persons with an intellectual, physical or sensory disability and those with autism. Additional capital funding of €34 million has also been provided in 2005.

Furthermore, when launching the national disability strategy, the Taoiseach announced the Government's commitment to a multi-annual investment programme for disability specific services over the next five years, details of which were announced on budget day. The investment programme for disability specific services will have a total cumulative value of €900 million for the period 2006-09. It will be a matter for the Health Service Executive to allocate this funding.

It is not appropriate to comment on individual cases. The taking of children into care is governed by the Child Care Act 1991 as amended by the Health Act 2004 and is a matter for the HSE.