Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 217: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of new places to be created in 2006 for residential, day-care and respite services for people with intellectual disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4759/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy is aware an integral part of the national disability strategy is the multi-annual investment programme published in December 2004 by the Government, which contains details of specific commitments in relation to the provision of specific high priority disability services over the period 2006 to 2009. These commitments include the development of new residential, respite and day places for persons with intellectual disability and autism in each of the years covered by the programme. Additional funding amounting to €59 million is being provided in 2006 to meets costs associated with the various elements of this programme. This funding will be used to put in place 255 new residential places, 85 new respite places and 535 new day places for persons with intellectual disability and those with autism, and also to progress the programme to transfer persons with intellectual disability-autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.

In addition to the specific high profile disability services which are included in the programme outlined above, further additional funding amounting to €41 million is being provided to enhance the multi-disciplinary support services for people with disabilities in line with the Government's commitment to build capacity within the health services in order to deliver on the various legislative provisions contained in the national disability strategy. Capital funding amounting to €55 million is also being provided in 2006 to support these developments.