John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 451: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reasoning behind the decision not to provide a centre for the care of people with autism at Myshall, County Carlow; the person who made this decision; the consultation process which led to the decision; if autism services will be provided elsewhere and developed; the value of the property on the date of purchase and the value at present; the intentions of the Health Service Executive relative to this property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14859/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy is aware the property at Myshall, Co. Carlow was purchased by the OPW on behalf of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to accommodate asylum seekers. However, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform decided against using the property for that purpose. Subsequently, the property was gifted by the OPW to the Department of Health and Children who in turn transferred ownership of the property in January, 2003 to the former South Eastern Health Board in whose area the property is located.

Therefore, the Deputy's question 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.