Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding attempts to end the waiting lists for people with an intellectual disability where 1,906 require a residential place and 1,877 require a respite service. [43178/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy which is committed to providing some €900m over the period 2005-2009, €41 million has been provided in the 2007 budget for the provision of services to persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism. This funding will provide 255 new residential places; 85 new respite places and 535 new day places. A similar number of extra places were provided during 2006 as part of a programme to develop key services and meet emerging needs. The funding includes €2.2m for the transfer of persons with an intellectual disability from settings which are inappropriate to their needs.

The Deputy's question also relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.