Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on a matter (details supplied). [25492/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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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 Multi-Annual Investment Programme, (MAIP), announced in the 2005 Budget, which provides €900m for 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 or autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.

The Deputy's specific question relates 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 to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.