Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism accommodated in psychiatric hospitals; the number of same accommodated in de-designated units which were formerly designated as psychiatric services; the numbers of same moved from psychiatric hospitals prior to 2002 to alternative accommodation which is now unsuitable for their needs; the names and locations of the hospital, units and other accommodation in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21533/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the status of her Department's programme to transfer persons with an intellectual disability or autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements; the progress made in implementing this programme since 2002; the number of persons moved from inappropriate placements to appropriate accommodation in each year since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21534/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 61 together.

The National Intellectual Disability Database, (NIDD), report for 2007 identified 329 individuals with intellectual disability, all aged 20 years or over, as being accommodated in psychiatric hospitals. It should be noted that registration on the NIDD is voluntary.

An integral part of the National Disability Strategy is the Multi-Annual Investment Programme, (MAIP), announced in the 2005 Budget, which provides €900m for the period 2006 to 2009. MAIP contains specific commitments in relation to the provision of specific high priority disability services over the period 2006 to 2009. MAIP 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 as well as the transfer of persons with intellectual disability/autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.

The Deputy's specific questions, in relation to the progress and details of the programme to move those individuals to more appropriate accommodation, relate 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when funding for 2008 will be provided for people with autistic spectrum disorders and people with ASD who are exiting rehabilitative training to an ASD placement. [21541/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. A further €50m investment was announced in the 2008 Budget.

The Deputy's question refers to services which fall within the remit of the Health Service Executive. 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.