Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which research is proposed or ongoing with a view to determination of the reasons for high levels of autism in this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13855/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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In December 2004, my Department, through the Health Research Board, approved the expenditure of up to €5 million for autism research as part of a new major international research initiative to help improve international understanding of the genetic causes of autism. The Health Research Board is collaborating with organisations in the United States and Canada to award research grants to identify specific genes or gene variants, which may make people more susceptible to autism. Up to €1 million each year, for five years, will be provided through the Health Research Board to enable Irish researchers to participate in the autism genome project.